Sunisa Lee’s journey from a young gymnast in Minnesota to an Olympic champion is a story of relentless determination, resilience, and grace. Over the years, she has competed in some of the most prestigious events in the sport, each leaving an indelible mark on her career. In this expanded look, we explore the competitions Sunisa herself has called her favorites, delving into the performances, the personal stakes, and the lasting significance behind each one. From the pressure-cooker of the Olympic Games to the grind of national championships and the global stage of the World Championships, these events are more than just medals—they are defining chapters in a remarkable athletic life.

Olympic Gold Medal at Tokyo 2020: The Pinnacle of a Dream

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, held in 2021 due to the pandemic, will forever be remembered as Sunisa Lee’s breakthrough moment. Competing under unprecedented circumstances—without a crowd, with strict COVID protocols, and with the immense weight of expectations—she delivered a performance for the ages. Her all-around gold medal victory was not just a personal triumph; it was a historic milestone. Sunisa became the first Asian American woman to win the Olympic all-around title, and her victory resonated deeply within the Hmong community and beyond.

The Road to Tokyo

Leading up to the Olympics, Sunisa faced her share of challenges. At the 2019 World Championships, she had already proven her mettle, winning team gold and silver on floor exercise. But the road to Tokyo was disrupted by the pandemic postponement, gym closures, and the need to train under modified conditions. Sunisa trained in a makeshift home gym, relying on her family’s support and her own fierce discipline. This period tested her mental fortitude, but it also deepened her love for the sport. “I knew I had to stay ready,” she told reporters. “The delay gave me extra time to work on details.”

The All-Around Triumph

On July 29, 2021, Sunisa stepped onto the floor at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre for the women’s all-around final. With Simone Biles withdrawing to prioritize her mental health, the spotlight shifted to the remaining competitors. Sunisa stayed composed through a strong vault, a clean uneven bars routine (her signature event), a steady balance beam, and a confident floor exercise. Her total of 57.433 points secured the gold by a slim margin over Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade. The moment was electrifying. Sunisa later said, “I wanted to do it for Simone, but I also wanted to do it for myself and for everyone who believed in me.”

Other Olympic Moments

Beyond the all-around, Sunisa earned a bronze medal on uneven bars and another bronze in the team event, where the U.S. women finished second behind ROC. Each medal added to her Olympic legacy, but the all-around gold remains her most cherished. The competition taught her about handling pressure, embracing the unexpected, and finding strength in adversity. For Sunisa, the Tokyo Olympics were not just about winning—they were about showing the world that hard work and a positive mindset can overcome any obstacle.

U.S. National Championships: The Home Turf Battles

The U.S. National Championships have been a consistent yardstick for Sunisa Lee’s progress. Competing against the deepest talent pool in the world—Kansas City, Fort Worth, Tampa, and other host cities—she has used Nationals to test her skills, earn selection for major teams, and build momentum. Sunisa has described Nationals as “always special because it’s where I prove to myself that I belong at the top.”

2021 U.S. National Championships: The Arrival

Just weeks before the Tokyo Olympics, Sunisa competed at the 2021 U.S. National Championships in Fort Worth, Texas. She placed second in the all-around behind Simone Biles, but her performances on uneven bars and balance beam stood out. She scored a 15.300 on bars, the highest of the competition, showcasing her signature release moves and impeccable handstands. The meet solidified her spot on the Olympic team and gave her crucial competitive reps. “Nationals gave me confidence,” Sunisa said. “I knew I could hit under pressure.”

2023 U.S. National Championships: A Comeback Story

After a challenging period that included kidney health issues and a return to elite gymnastics while balancing her college career at Auburn, Sunisa competed at the 2023 U.S. National Championships in San Jose. This meet was deeply personal. She had not competed in a full all-around since the 2021 Olympics, and many wondered if she could return to form. Sunisa placed fourth in the all-around, but more importantly, she showed her trademark elegance on bars and beam. Her performance earned her a spot on the World Championships team. “This Nationals meant everything to me because I proved I could bounce back,” she said. “It wasn’t about the score—it was about being here.”

The Significance of Nationals

For Sunisa, the U.S. National Championships represent a proving ground. Unlike the one-off nature of the Olympics, Nationals occur annually (except in Olympic years) and require consistent excellence. They are also a family affair: her parents, siblings, and extended family frequently attend. Sunisa has noted that performing in front of a home crowd, even when injuries or fatigue loom, forces her to dig deep. Winning the all-around title in 2021 (she actually won the U.S. Classic that year, but not the senior national title—she was second at Nationals in 2021) and medaling in subsequent years has provided her with a sense of continuity and growth. The event has helped her refine her routines, manage nerves, and develop the competitive resilience that serves her well on the world stage.

World Championships: Defining Moments on the Global Stage

The World Championships bring together the best gymnasts from every continent, making it the ultimate test of skill and endurance. Sunisa Lee has competed in multiple World Championships, each offering unique challenges and rewards. She has stated that these competitions are “where I feel like a true ambassador for my country and for the sport.”

2019 World Championships: The Debut

Sunisa’s first senior World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, were a coming-out party. She earned a team gold medal alongside Simone Biles, Grace McCallum, Kara Eaker, and MyKayla Skinner. Individually, she won silver on floor exercise with a dynamic routine set to an energetic mix. The meet taught her how to handle the pressure of a team final and the importance of contributing to the squad’s success. “Walking onto that world stage for the first time was surreal,” she recalled. “I learned that I had to stay focused on my own job, but also support my teammates.”

2023 World Championships: The Return

After missing the 2022 World Championships due to a kidney condition that caused swelling in her legs, Sunisa made a triumphant return at the 2023 World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium. She anchored the U.S. team to a silver medal in the team final, then captured bronze in the all-around behind Simone Biles and Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade. She also earned a bronze medal on balance beam, delivering a serene routine that showcased her artistry and control. The competition was a testament to her perseverance. “I cried after beam because I didn’t think I’d ever be back here,” Sunisa admitted. “But I knew I had more to give.”

Why the World Championships Matter

For Sunisa, the World Championships are a measure of her standing among international peers. The competition forces her to adapt to different equipment, judging styles, and time zones. Competing for Team USA adds a layer of responsibility—she is not just representing herself but also her country. Sunisa has spoken about the camaraderie of the U.S. women’s team at Worlds, and how the experience has deepened her appreciation for the sport’s global community. “At Worlds, you see all these incredible athletes from every country,” she said. “It reminds you that gymnastics is a universal language.”

Other Competitions That Hold Special Meaning

While the Olympics, Nationals, and Worlds form the core of Sunisa’s favorite list, she has also highlighted additional events that have shaped her journey. These competitions, though sometimes smaller in scale, carry deep personal significance and offer insight into her approach to the sport.

NCAA Championships: College Gymnastics at Auburn

From 2022 to 2024, Sunisa competed for Auburn University in the NCAA, a groundbreaking dual career that few elite gymnasts have attempted. She led the Tigers to historic team finishes, including a second-place showing at the 2022 NCAA Championships. The college environment brought a different energy—loud crowds, short meets, and the joy of competing alongside friends. Sunisa called the NCAA “the most fun I’ve ever had in gymnastics,” because it allowed her to enjoy the sport without the relentless pressure of elite training. Winning the NCAA balance beam title in 2022 and earning All-America honors multiple times are among her proudest achievements.

Pacific Rim Championships and Other International Meets

Early in her elite career, Sunisa competed at the Pacific Rim Championships and various World Cup events. These competitions gave her crucial international exposure and helped her build confidence. She has mentioned that the 2018 Pacific Rim Championships in Medellín, Colombia, where she won gold on uneven bars, was a turning point—it showed her that she could win on foreign soil. Such events may not be as prestigious as World Championships, but they were essential in her development.

Why These Competitions Matter to Sunisa Lee

Each of the competitions Sunisa Lee considers her favorite represents a different facet of her identity as a gymnast and as a person. They are not simply boxes checked on a résumé; they are milestones that have taught her resilience, humility, and the value of community. Here are the key reasons these events hold such deep meaning.

Overcoming Adversity

Sunisa’s journey has been marked by significant obstacles: a global pandemic, a debilitating kidney condition that forced her to stop training for months, the loss of family members, and the pressure of living up to an Olympic gold. Each competition became an opportunity to prove that she could rise above these challenges. The Tokyo Olympics were the ultimate test of her ability to perform under extraordinary circumstances. The 2023 Nationals and Worlds were tests of her physical recovery and mental resolve. “Every time I step onto the competition floor, I’m showing myself that I can get through anything,” she has said.

Representation and Inspiration

As a young woman of Hmong descent, Sunisa Lee carries the hopes of a community that has historically been underrepresented in elite sports. Her victories at major competitions have brought visibility to the Hmong culture and inspired countless young athletes from minority backgrounds. She often receives messages from families who tell her that watching her compete gives their children the courage to pursue their dreams. For Sunisa, this is a profound responsibility and a source of motivation. “If I can show one kid that they can do it too, then all the hard work is worth it,” she said in an interview with ESPN.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

Competing at the highest level has forced Sunisa to confront her own limits and push beyond them. The pressure of the Olympic all-around final, the grind of Nationals, the camaraderie of Worlds—each event has taught her something about herself. She has learned to manage anxiety, to trust her training, and to find joy even in disappointment. “I used to be so focused on winning that I forgot why I started,” she reflected. “Now, I compete because I love the feeling of flying on bars and the roar of the crowd.”

Building a Legacy

Sunisa Lee’s favorite competitions are also building blocks for her legacy. She wants to be remembered not just as an Olympic champion, but as a gymnast who never gave up, who embraced change, and who used her platform to uplift others. Her performances at Tokyo, Nationals, Worlds, and in college have created moments that will live on in gymnastics history. She is already mentoring younger gymnasts, and her story is taught as an example of perseverance in schools and sports programs.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

Sunisa Lee’s favorite gymnastics competitions are far more than dates on a calendar—they are chapters in a story of incredible determination and heart. From the golden moment in Tokyo to the triumphant return in Antwerp, from the familiar mats of U.S. Nationals to the vibrant arenas of NCAA championships, each event has shaped her into the athlete and person she is today. As she looks toward future competitions—including the potential for the Paris 2024 Olympics—Sunisa carries with her the lessons learned in those favorite arenas. “Every competition is a gift,” she has said. “It’s a chance to show what you can do, and it’s a chance to grow.” For aspiring gymnasts and fans alike, her journey reminds us that the true value of competition lies not in the medals, but in the courage to show up, again and again, and give it everything.