Sunisa Lee returns to training with Olympic ambitions in sight

Sunisa Lee has announced her return to training, declaring on **Wednesday** that she knows what she’s capable of as she eyes a second Olympic run.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics champion-who won gold on the uneven bars and all-around-stepped away from the sport last year after a series of injuries. On **17 July 2024**, she shared her plans to rebuild her body and routines, posting on social media that she’s ready to prove she still belongs among the world’s best.

What happened?

Lee’s comeback comes after months of rehab following a left Achilles tear in late 2023. She spent the first half of 2024 recovering in Minnesota, working with her longtime coach, Jess Graba, to regain strength without rushing her return. Her announcement signals the start of a deliberate push toward the **2024 U.S. Classic** in August and the **2024 U.S. Championships** in September-both critical stops on the road to the **Paris Olympics**.

The 21-year-old hasn’t competed since the **2023 World Championships**, where she finished fifth in the all-around. Her absence left a gap in Team USA’s lineup, with Simone Biles and Skye Blakely stepping up as the faces of the program. Now, Lee is betting on her experience and execution to reclaim her spot.

Why it matters for Sunisa Lee

For Lee, this isn’t just about returning to the floor-it’s about proving she can still outshine rivals who’ve risen in her absence. Her uneven bars routine, a signature event, remains one of the most difficult in the sport. If she can land cleanly, she’ll have a shot at making the **Paris 2024** team, where Biles is expected to lead the charge.

Her comeback also tests whether she can overcome the mental hurdles of injury. Lee has spoken openly about the frustration of watching others compete while she healed. “I know what I’m capable of,” she wrote in her announcement, a line that doubles as both motivation and a warning to competitors like **Rebeca Andrade** and **Shilese Jones**, who’ve claimed medals in her stead.

What comes next?

Lee’s first competitive return could come at the **2024 U.S. Classic** in early August, where she’ll likely test her uneven bars and balance beam routines. From there, the **2024 U.S. Championships** in late September will decide who earns the three automatic berths to Paris.

If she qualifies, her next target is the **2024 Olympic Games**, where she’d aim to defend her uneven bars title and challenge for all-around hardware. But the road is steep: Biles, the defending all-around champion, is the favorite, and Lee will need near-flawless performances to surpass her.

The bigger picture

Lee’s return reshapes the narrative for Team USA’s women’s program. With Biles aging into a veteran role and younger stars like **Skye Blakely** and **Jade Carey** pushing limits, Lee’s comeback adds a layer of unpredictability. Her presence alone raises the bar-her routines demand precision, and her confidence is infectious.

For fans, it’s a chance to see a gymnastics legend reclaim her throne. For Lee, it’s a shot at redemption. Either way, the next two months will decide if she’s still the one to beat.