The world celebrates her as an Olympic champion. But Sunisa Lee was just a St. Paul kid with a dream in 2017 when MPR News began writing about her Olympic hopes.
Lee and her teammate Grace McCallum of Isanti returned from their successful Olympic journey Thursday. A crowd was already gathered at the airport to greet them.
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said a parade is planned for Lee’s honor on White Bear Avenue Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Return from Tokyo
6 of 6
A crowd gathers at Minneapolis St. Paul International airport to welcome Suni Lee back to Minnesota after the St. Paul native collected gold, silver and bronze medals at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Peter Cox | MPR News
1 of 6
A crowd gathers at Minneapolis St. Paul International airport to welcome Suni Lee and Grace McCallum back to Minnesota after the St. Paul native collected gold, silver and bronze medals at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Peter Cox | MPR News
2 of 6
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and his daughter pose for a selfie with Sunisa Lee.
Peter Cox | MPR News
Over the years, MPR News photographers captured her development and the arc of her journey to Tokyo. Here’s a look through their lenses of the young Suni, along with international photos from her gold medal win and other competitions.
Training
10 of 10
Sunisa Lee chalks her hands during practice at Midwest Gymnastics in St. Paul, Minn. on Wednesday, May 10, 2017.
Evan Frost | MPR News
1 of 10
Sunisa Lee takes a break during practice in February 2020 at Midwest Gymnastics in Little Canada, Minn. At the time, Lee would spend up to eight hours a day at the gym.
Christine T. Nguyen | MPR News 2020
2 of 10
In May 2017, Sunisa Lee practices her dance routine in front of a mirror inside of Midwest Gymnastics.
Evan Frost | MPR News 2017
Competition
24 of 24
In June 2021, Sunisa Lee warms up in the floor exercise before the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas.
Tony Gutierrez | AP file
1 of 24
USA's Sunisa Lee competes in the floor event of the artistic gymnastics women's all-around final during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre on Thursday.
Lionel Bonaventure | AFP via Getty Images
2 of 24
Sunisa Lee of Team United States competes on balance beam during the Women's All-Around Final on day six of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on Thursday.
Jamie Squire | Getty Images
Family and community
11 of 11
Sunisa Lee's father John Lee celebrates his daughter's Olympic gold as she is presented the medal on television at a watch party in Oakdale, Minn., on Thursday.
Evan Frost | MPR News
1 of 11
Sunisa Lee does homework on the couch of her St. Paul home alongside her father John and siblings Lucky, 5, and Evionn, 7, after a full day of school and gymnastics practice in 2017. A usual day for Lee doesn't end until after 11 p.m., with dinner at 9 and homework until she goes to bed.
Evan Frost | MPR News 2017
2 of 11
Sunisa Lee plays with her little brother Noah inside their St. Paul home in May 2017.
