Suni Lee Sports Illustrated Swimsuit: The Story Behind The Photoshoot

By Antonia PfefferMay 18, 2025

When Suni Lee stepped into the world of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, she didn’t just make history—she became a symbol of empowerment and representation in the world of sports and fashion. The young Olympic champion brought her unique story and inspiring journey to the iconic pages of the magazine, captivating millions around the globe. But what exactly does it mean for an athlete like Suni Lee to be featured in such a prestigious platform? Let’s dive into the details and uncover the incredible story behind this momentous occasion.

Suni Lee’s rise from a gymnastics prodigy to an Olympic gold medalist has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her journey is one filled with hard work, dedication, and resilience. Now, as she graces the pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, she’s showing the world that athletes are not only defined by their achievements but also by their ability to inspire others through representation and authenticity.

This article will take you through Suni Lee’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit experience, exploring how this opportunity came about, what it means for her career, and why it’s such a significant moment in the world of sports and fashion. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s explore this fascinating story together!

Biography of Suni Lee
What is Sports Illustrated Swimsuit?
Suni Lee’s Swimsuit Photoshoot
The Impact of Suni Lee’s Feature
Suni Lee’s Fashion Evolution
From Olympic Gymnast to Swimsuit Model
Representation Matters: Suni Lee’s Story
Challenges Faced by Athlete Models
What’s Next for Suni Lee?
Conclusion

Biography of Suni Lee

Data and Facts About Suni Lee

Full Name	Suni Lee
Date of Birth	March 9, 2003
Place of Birth	St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Height	4'8" (142 cm)
Weight	86 lbs (39 kg)
Profession	Olympic Gymnast, Model

Suni Lee, born on March 9, 2003, in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a name that resonates with excellence in the world of gymnastics. Her journey to becoming an Olympic champion started at a young age when she began training under the guidance of her coach, Jess Graba. Suni quickly rose through the ranks, earning numerous accolades along the way. In 2021, she became the first Hmong-American to win an Olympic gold medal, solidifying her place in history.

What is Sports Illustrated Swimsuit?

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit isn’t just another magazine—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Since its inception in 1964, the annual issue has become synonymous with beauty, elegance, and empowerment. Over the years, it has evolved to include more diverse representation, showcasing women from various backgrounds, body types, and professions. By featuring athletes like Suni Lee, the magazine aims to highlight the intersection of sports and fashion while celebrating the strength and grace of women in both fields.

Suni Lee’s Swimsuit Photoshoot

Behind the Scenes

When Suni Lee was approached to participate in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, she knew it was an opportunity of a lifetime. The photoshoot took place in breathtaking locations, capturing her natural beauty and athletic prowess. “I wanted to show everyone that athletes can be models too,” Suni said during an interview. The experience pushed her out of her comfort zone, but she embraced it wholeheartedly, proving once again that she’s not afraid to take on new challenges.

Here are some key moments from the photoshoot:

Location: The shoot was held in stunning locales like beaches and luxurious resorts.
Style: Suni wore a variety of swimsuits, each designed to highlight her toned physique and unique style.
Team: A talented team of photographers, stylists, and makeup artists worked together to bring Suni’s vision to life.

The Impact of Suni Lee’s Feature

Suni Lee’s appearance in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit sent shockwaves through the sports and fashion communities. It wasn’t just about the photos—it was about the message behind them. As a Hmong-American, Suni represents a community that has been historically underrepresented in mainstream media. Her feature serves as a powerful reminder that diversity and inclusion matter in all industries.

According to a study by the Representation Project, seeing diverse representation in media can have a profound impact on self-esteem and aspirations, especially among young people. Suni Lee’s presence in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is a step forward in breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive world.

Suni Lee’s Fashion Evolution

Before her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut, Suni Lee was already making waves in the fashion world. From red carpet appearances to high-profile events, she consistently showcased her personal style, blending elegance with athleticism. Her fashion choices reflect her personality—bold, confident, and unapologetically herself.

Some of her standout fashion moments include:

Wearing custom designs by top designers at award ceremonies.
Experimenting with bold colors and patterns on and off the competition floor.
Collaborating with brands to create collections inspired by her journey.

From Olympic Gymnast to Swimsuit Model

The Transition

Transitioning from an Olympic gymnast to a swimsuit model might seem like a drastic change, but for Suni Lee, it was a natural progression. Her career as an athlete taught her discipline, perseverance, and confidence—qualities that translate perfectly into the world of modeling. “I’ve always believed that athletes are more than just athletes,” she explained. “We’re role models, influencers, and storytellers.”

This transition also highlights the growing trend of athletes exploring opportunities beyond their respective sports. By stepping into the spotlight as a model, Suni Lee is proving that athletes can excel in multiple fields and inspire others to do the same.

Representation Matters: Suni Lee’s Story

Suni Lee’s journey is a testament to the importance of representation in media. As the first Hmong-American Olympic gold medalist, she has broken barriers and paved the way for future generations. Her feature in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit amplifies her voice and ensures that her story reaches a wider audience.

Representation isn’t just about visibility—it’s about empowerment. When young girls see someone like Suni Lee succeeding in both sports and fashion, they’re reminded that they too can achieve greatness in any field they choose. This is the kind of impact that lasts a lifetime.

Challenges Faced by Athlete Models

While being featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is a dream come true for many athletes, it’s not without its challenges. Balancing a demanding training schedule with the rigors of modeling requires immense dedication and time management skills. Additionally, athletes often face scrutiny and criticism for pursuing careers outside their sport.

Despite these challenges, Suni Lee remains focused on her goals. “I want to inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter what they are,” she said. Her resilience and determination serve as a reminder that success is possible with hard work and perseverance.

What’s Next for Suni Lee?

The future looks bright for Suni Lee. With her Olympic achievements and newfound success in modeling, she’s poised to become a household name in multiple industries. Fans can expect to see more collaborations, brand partnerships, and perhaps even ventures into acting or television hosting.

But at the heart of it all, Suni remains grounded and committed to using her platform for good. Whether it’s advocating for diversity in sports and fashion or supporting causes close to her heart, she continues to inspire those around her.

Conclusion

Suni Lee’s feature in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is more than just a photoshoot—it’s a celebration of her journey, her achievements, and her potential. From a young gymnast in St. Paul, Minnesota, to an Olympic champion and now a model, Suni has shown the world that anything is possible with determination and hard work.

As we look forward to seeing what the future holds for Suni Lee, let’s remember the lessons she’s taught us: representation matters, athletes are multifaceted individuals, and dreams are worth chasing. So go ahead, share this article, leave a comment, and tell us what inspires you most about Suni Lee’s incredible story!

Suni Lee Wins the AllAround Olympic Gold Medal The New York Times

Gymnastics 14 Suni Lee photos from her allaround Olympic gold win

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