What is the connection between Suni Lee & US Presidential nominee Kamala Harris' newly-appointed running mate Governor Tim Walz? All about their bond

By Janhavi Shinde

Modified Aug 07, 2024 09:48 GMT

Minnesota Governor and US Presidential nominee Kamala Harris' newly-appointed running mate Tim Walz has consistently voiced praise for Suni Lee, who hails from the state's capital, Saint Paul, amid her multiple achievements in gymnastics, highlighting a notable connection between the two Gopher State residents. Lee recently displayed her skills as one of the star gymnasts at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 21-year-old was born in Minnesota and attended Battle Creek Elementary School in Saint Paul. She commenced her gymnastics journey at Midwest Gymnastics Center in Little Canada, Minnesota, training under coach Punnarith Koy.

Walz, who was elected as the Governor of Minnesota in 2019 was recently picked as the running mate by Kamala Harris, who is currently running for presidential bid of the United States of America.

After Lee's exceptional performance at the 2021 U.S. National Gymnastics Championships that helped her automatically qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics - where she eventually clinched the gold medal in the women's individual all-around event - he extended support to the gymnast and said:

"Suni Lee making Minnesota proud! We’ll be cheering for you on the road to the Tokyo Olympics."

Three summers later, when Lee was contending to earn a berth to compete in the Paris Games at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, Governor Walz said:

"Making Minnesota proud!"

Further, after her first victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Lee secured a gold medal in the team event along with Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey and Hezly Rivera, Governor Walz once again expressed pride and said:

"Suni Lee making Minnesota proud!"

Governor Walz took the opportunity to congratulate the gymnast and fellow Minnesotan swimmer Regan Smith, who clinched five medals in Paris, yet again after Lee's campaign conclusion in the French capital. He said:

"Holy smokes! An enormous congratulations to Minnesota Olympians Suni Lee and Regan Smith. Your home state is so proud."

Moreover, on the second anniversary of Lee's triumph in Tokyo, when the Minnesotan crowd gathered at St. Paul's Phalen Park to unveil her new statue, Governor Walz declared the day to be Suni Lee Day in ths state.

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Suni Lee's victorious campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics

After navigating through kidney issues that also forced her to end her college gymnastics career, Suni Lee made her return to the sport ahead of the 2024 Olympics, earning a spot to compete in the Games at the Trials.

Sunisa Lee competes in the floor exercise during the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Getty Images)

Apart from her contribution to the women's team victory, Lee bagged two bronze medals in the individual all-around and uneven bars events. In the all-around event, where she was the defending champion, she followed the legendary gymnast Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade after bagging 56.132 points, while the former two scored 59.566 and 57.700 points, respectively.

In the uneven bars event, Lee posted a total of 14.800 points to settle behind Algeria's Kaylia Nemour and China's Qui Qiyuan, who posted 15.700 and 15.500 points, repectively.