Sunisa "Suni" Lee, the celebrated two-time Olympic gymnast and all-around gold medalist, is making waves yet again by walking the runway at the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Known for her historic achievement as the first Hmong-American to win Olympic all-around gold at Tokyo 2021, Lee has transitioned from elite sports to high fashion in a surprising new role.
Lee shared with Marie Claire that being selected for Victoria’s Secret—a brand undergoing a reinvention centered on inclusivity and diversity—felt like “a dream outside of my comfort zone.” Growing up, she noted, she rarely saw girls who looked like her featured in major fashion events. “To now be here as an athlete, as someone who’s worked so hard to achieve her dreams, it feels powerful,” Lee said. “I want young girls to know they don’t have to fit into just one box. You can chase Olympic gold and still own your femininity.”
The 22-year-old gymnast will model for Victoria's Secret Pink, the brand’s sportier line, showcasing a blend of athleticism and glamour. She described the segment as “literally the coziest thing ever,” combining “sporty meets glam” styles. Lee expressed excitement about wearing signature angel wings and the glamorous makeover by famed makeup artist Dame Pat McGrath, embracing the bold transformation.
Lee’s presence on the runway also underscores the Fashion Show’s evolution since its 2024 revival, aiming to break away from the traditional, narrow “Angel” archetype. This year’s lineup combines established supermodels like Gigi Hadid with fresh faces from the worlds of sports and music, including fellow athlete and WNBA star Angel Reese.
Suni Lee’s modelling debut symbolizes wider cultural progress, merging athletic excellence with fashion accessibility and representation. Her story inspires young girls, especially from underrepresented communities, to pursue diverse ambitions while celebrating all facets of identity and strength.
Tune in to see Suni Lee’s runway debut on October 15, 2025, live streaming on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube at 7 pm ET, alongside performances by Missy Elliott, Karol G, Madison Beer, and TWICE.
Suni Lee was born on March 9, 2003, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to parents Yeev Thoj and John Lee. Her family is of Hmong descent, an ethnic group from the mountainous regions of Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. Lee's journey in gymnastics began at the age of six, and she quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. She trained at Midwest Gymnastics under coach Jess Graba, who became a pivotal figure in her career. Lee's breakthrough came at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials, where she finished second behind Simone Biles, securing a spot on the Olympic team for Tokyo 2021.
During the Tokyo Olympics, Lee became a household name after winning the women's individual all-around gold medal when Simone Biles withdrew from the finals to focus on her mental health. Lee also earned a bronze medal on the uneven bars and a silver medal in the team event. Her all-around victory was historic: she became the first Hmong-American Olympian and the first Asian American woman to win the all-around gold. The moment resonated deeply with the Hmong community and Asian Americans nationwide, symbolizing representation and perseverance.
Following the Olympics, Lee faced several challenges, including health issues related to kidney problems that necessitated treatment. She took time off from competition but returned to elite gymnastics, competing at the 2023 World Championships where she won a team silver and a bronze on the balance beam. In 2024, she competed in the Paris Olympics, adding a bronze on the uneven bars to her medal collection, further cementing her legacy as one of the most decorated gymnasts of her generation.
Beyond gymnastics, Lee has become a role model and advocate for mental health, diversity, and body positivity. She has partnered with brands like DNA Maternity and appeared in advertising campaigns for P&G and other companies. Her fashion debut at Victoria's Secret marks another milestone in her post-competitive career, showcasing her ability to transcend sports and enter the entertainment and fashion industries.
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has undergone significant changes since its hiatus in 2019 and its revival in 2024. Once criticized for lack of diversity and outdated beauty standards, the brand now emphasizes inclusion with models of all sizes, races, genders, and abilities. The 2025 lineup features a diverse array of performers and models, including transgender models, plus-size models, and athletes like Lee and Angel Reese. This shift aligns with broader industry trends towards authentic representation and empowerment.
Lee's inclusion in the show is particularly meaningful given the Hmong community's historical invisibility in mainstream media. Hmong Americans number over 300,000 in the United States, with strong communities in the Midwest, especially Minnesota and Wisconsin. Lee's success has brought pride and attention to Hmong culture, including traditional embroidery, music, and festivals. By walking the runway, Lee continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be an athlete and a woman of color.
The 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will be a spectacle of music and fashion. Performers include Missy Elliott, whose Grammy-winning career spans decades; Colombian singer Karol G; pop star Madison Beer; and K-pop group TWICE, known for their global hits. The show's creative direction aims to celebrate female strength and self-expression, with themes that blend sport, glamour, and fantasy. Lee's segment, focusing on Victoria's Secret Pink, will emphasize comfort, versatility, and empowerment—values that resonate with her personal story.
Lee has expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating that modeling was never something she envisioned as a gymnast, but she now embraces it as a way to inspire others. She has worked with designers to create an aesthetic that merges athletic wear with high fashion, featuring pieces that allow movement and showcase her physique. The collaboration with makeup artist Dame Pat McGrath ensures a transformational look, highlighting Lee's natural beauty and strength.
The intersection of sports and fashion is not new, but Lee's entry into this space marks a shift towards valuing athletic authenticity over traditional model archetypes. Other athletes have walked runway shows, such as Serena Williams at New York Fashion Week, but Lee's participation in Victoria's Secret specifically challenges the brand's history of hyper-sexualized imagery. Instead, the focus is on celebrating diverse bodies and careers, aligning with modern feminism.
Lee's story also touches on the importance of mental health in sports. After the Tokyo Olympics, she spoke openly about the pressure of competing at an elite level and the need for self-care. Her advocacy has made her a relatable figure for young athletes who struggle with expectations. By stepping into fashion, Lee demonstrates that life after competition can be multifaceted, and that athletes deserve opportunities beyond their sport.
In preparation for the show, Lee has undergone runway training, learning to walk with confidence and poise. She has met with fellow models to discuss the experience, finding solidarity in sharing their backgrounds. Angel Reese, the WNBA star, will also model, representing another avenue for female athletes to shine in fashion. The camaraderie between Lee and Reese highlights the growing trend of athletes leveraging their platforms for broader cultural impact.
The show's broadcast on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube makes it accessible globally, reflecting the brand's effort to reach younger, diverse audiences. With millions of viewers expected, Lee's debut will be seen worldwide, further amplifying her message of inclusivity. The economic impact of such visibility cannot be overstated, as brands increasingly recognize the value of diverse representation in driving consumer loyalty and social change.
Suni Lee's journey from a child gymnast in St. Paul to a Olympic champion and now a runway model is a testament to her resilience and ambition. Her story continues to inspire girls to dream big, whether in sports, fashion, or any field. As she steps onto the Victoria's Secret stage, she carries with her the hopes of many who see themselves in her—a reminder that excellence and femininity are not mutually exclusive.
Source: MSN News