Lululemon athlete Suni Lee discusses her struggle with kidney disease, maintaining equilibrium, and her role as a brand ambassador.

Lululemon athlete Suni Lee discusses her struggle with kidney disease, maintaining equilibrium, and her role as a brand ambassador.

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Flashback to the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where the US women's team snatched the gold medal, and Suni Lee, a Hmong-American superstar, stole the show, clinching a bronze medal for her dazzling performance on the uneven bars. A year ago, Lee was grappling with a rare kidney disease, a battle that left her questioning if she'd ever compete again. Fast forward to today, and Lee's fighting spirit has led her to become an inspiration for many, all while enjoying life like any vibrant twenty-something.

Courtside at a few NBA matches, Sky-rocketing on TikTok, and now a lululemon ambassador, it seems the young dynamo has found her groove. "I've been packing my lululemon gear for ages, and it's all about supporting performance without skimping on comfort or style," beams Lee. Her allegiance to lululemon runs deep, not just for the brand's commitment to athletic excellence but also its dedication to mental health and self-expression.

Vogue Singapore got a chance to swap notes with Lee on her favorite lululemon pieces, self-care practices, and her definition of strength. Here's the scoop:

Congrats on your Align campaign with lululemon, marking the 10th anniversary of the product line. What were your thoughts during the shoot day?Shooting the Align campaign was a fantastic experience that left me feeling empowered. Everyone on set made me feel comfortable, and it looked natural, like I was just being me. The real Align collection is centered around softness and flexibility, reinforcing this narrative beautifully.

What keeps you going as an athlete, and how does lululemon come into the picture?Training as a gymnast is a tireless endeavor, requiring strength, balance, accuracy, and endurance. I'm all for cross-training, so I mix things up, depending on the day. Lululemon's gear tailors to every move, from high-intensity workouts to recovery periods, encapsulating the essence of versatility. Plus, they champion holistic wellness, reminding me that mental health matters just as much as physical fitness and self-expression.

Managing stress throughout your hectic life as a gymnast, athlete, and public figure has been in your personal journey. What's your approach when it comes to mental wellbeing?Navigating the spotlight as a gymnast and public figure can be challenging, with endless pressure. With time, I've learned that giving myself grace and protecting my mental space are vital. I've developed a growth mindset, focusing on forward momentum instead of perfection. Building a rock-solid support system has been key to staying grounded, too, alongside practices like mindfulness and journaling. There's more to strength than what meets the eye; it's about nurturing the whole self.

What do you do to unwind during those grueling times of rigorous training?I recharge by spending quality time with my loved ones and good friends, who keep me centered. Journaling and mindfulness also play a significant role in helping me relax and find clarity. Sometimes, just putting on some music and moving at my own pace—be it stretching or Pilates—helps me chill. It's these little moments of serenity that help me stay balanced and ready to conquer whatever comes next.

What's in store for Suni Lee?The future is all about growth, personally and athletically. I want to keep pushing myself, but also use my platform to foster positivity and inspire others to find balance in life. Being a part of the lululemon community has been special because it's filled with like-minded people who embrace wellness, mindfulness, and mutual support. Look for me continuing to spread love and teaming up with lululemon on projects that empower others to embrace self-love and wellbeing daily.

Suni's journeys to gold stand as a testament to her resilience, embodying the power of gratitude, family, and mental fortitude.

1. Suni Lee's performance on the uneven bars at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, despite battling a rare kidney disease, showcased beauty and art in gymnastics, earning her a bronze medal and becoming a symbol of inspiration for many.
2. As a lululemon ambassador, Suni Lee promotes not only fitness-and-exercise and health-and-wellness but also mental-health, praising the brand for its commitment to self-expression and holistic wellness.
3. In her Align campaign with lululemon, Suni Lee felt empowered, appreciating the softness and flexibility of the product line, which aligns with her personal style.
4. Among her approaches to maintaining mental wellbeing, Suni Lee emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, self-care practices like mindfulness and journaling, and building a strong support system.
5. Besides spending time with loved ones and practicing mindfulness, Suni Lee unwinds during grueling training periods by journaling, listening to music, and moving at her own pace through stretching or Pilates.
6. Looking ahead, Suni Lee aims to continue her personal and athletic growth, foster positivity, and inspire others while collaborating with lululemon on projects that promote self-love and wellbeing.

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