Suni Lee Puts Olympic Gold Medal Around Dad's Neck

Reunited and it feels so good! Suni Lee got a welcome home greeting she will never forget. The Olympic gymnast saw her family for the first time since returning to the U.S. after her historic run at the Tokyo Games, where she won three medals, including gold for her performance in the individual all-around finals. Suni's parents, John and Yeev Thoj, and her siblings Jonah and Shyenne were all waiting for her in New York City's Rockefeller Center on Thursday's TODAY.
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Suni Lee Puts Olympic Gold Medal Around Dad's Neck
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[@stephanywhite83]

From her dad building a homemade beam in the backyard… to her mom fundraising for money by selling eggrolls- this proves that no matter what your financial status is- HARD WORK AND DREAMS come true!

[@WoahhTeamJacob]

Invest in kids, they are the future. ❤️

[@Sassyglbeauty]

❤️

[@tikitak1155]

As far as I know, her dad is actually her step dad. But look at them. If you give a child your love, they will make you proud. He raised her with love and dedication. She didn't get anything less from him that he would give to his other 2 kids. That's a great man right there.

[@Sunflowers9191]

@@tikitak1155 Aw wow I didn’t knew that but that man is her real dad! You can see the special bond and love them between them ♥️

[@kwesonabrams2906]

Period

[@trivers7062]

This is what it looks like when parents raise a decent human being. Amazing story.

[@amde8554]

She also has a community of support which isn’t as common these days

[@tigertank06]

Let’s hope she stays that way.

[@kathysimmons3536]

You said it best ♡♡♡♡♡

[@kathysimmons3536]

@@tigertank06 i feel no doubt she will always stay this sweet .look how she was raised.

[@MsTinkerbelle87]

She’s such a good kid!! A great role model!

[@carlmorrow1600]

She has a heart of gold 😊

[@cockeyedoptimista]

GREAT COMMENT!

[@markheying2830]

@@cockeyedoptimista If I remember, Heart Of Gold was a Song by Neil Young.

[@cockeyedoptimista]

@@markheying2830 That's right, now that you mention it. Slowly recalling.. It went, "I've been a miner for a heart of gold.." It was a nice song.

[@bjohnson6108]

No one has represented the USA better than Suni and her family in international competition. They're up there with the best of them / us.

[@teehee8101]

how convenient... she just copied jade carey!

[@shellymac7597]

Mr. John Lee is a champ. He has gone through so much.

[@AshleyKarys]

Amazing parents who raised such a lovely daughter. Honestly they’re all just an awesome family. So proud of Suni! And I cannot help but admire her relationship with her father. It truly is golden.🥇

[@lesliegoodman-malamuth9796]

Suni is SO lucky to have a dad like that!

[@starburstsolaris6805]

Wishing Mr.John a speedy recovery and walk again. May the good Lotd heal him.

[@eunice-wg5cy]

Amen

[@lolitabubbles26]

Speedy? That is not appropriate in the slightest. He's been paralyzed since 2019. I know your heart was in the right place but uhh... just be a little more aware of your word choices lol.

[@kaylinbrennan5618]

@@lolitabubbles26 Exactly. Again kudos for the sentiment, but chances are if there was hope of him walking again, it would’ve happened within the last 2 years. Having said that, this family has an amazing attitude, and miracles do happen, so nothing is impossible. But yeah, being paralyzed isn’t the type of condition you recover speedily from, like the flu or minor surgery

[@cockeyedoptimista]

@@kaylinbrennan5618 They're just wishing that he walk again. So what if the words are a little awkward? So what. In truth it is a nice, thoughtful wish.

[@kaylinbrennan5618]

@@cockeyedoptimista Right. I think I acknowledged that the sentiment was nice. Not knocking that at all. However, some people may look at the word speedy and think he has a minor injury. There’s nothing wrong with pointing out the reality of his condition. He’s a great example of someone who’s been dealt a very tough circumstance, but has an awesome attitude. I wish him all the best

[@annawater7229]

i am so glad that all of these athletes gymnasts got back to the USA safe ❤️❤️🙏🏽

[@pengguo5234]

US is one of most unsafe places in the world. Love Suni Lee

[@annawater7229]

@@pengguo5234 especially with all of the hate crime against different races this past year!!! so scary!! all the USA gymnasts got home safe!!

[@jas2994]

@@pengguo5234 oh no

[@HarrisaSports]

@@pengguo5234 lol wtf are you talking about one of the most unsafe places in the world? What an idiotic comment 😂😂 so some research on the world before you spout off major false statements

[@HarrisaSports]

@@annawater7229 check eastern Europe if you want to see hate crimes. It makes the US look like a kindergarten class...the US is still the safest place for immigrants which is why there are so many. Why do you think everyone flees their countries to come to the US? Because the US sucks?...no...they come here and are grateful for it

[@nueroendoctrinecarcinomaaf2272]

OMG I bawled so hard when she put the medal on her dad~ SUNI LEE AMERICA'S GOLD MEDAL CHAMPION OF THE WORLD~ ty for going and competing and stepping up when a team mate needed to duck out~

[@ChelseaH1]

I didn’t know what Hmong was before her, it’s beautiful how proud they are of their culture. They all seem like such a loving family AND community.

[@delrey874]

Watch a movie called Gran Torino by director Clint Eastwood.

[@AcidicMentality]

We have a lot of Hmong people here in MN

[@hellophoojywglifestyle1464]

Chelsea, you are welcome to my home to share a meal when you're in mn...our community and people are humble and generous. ❤

[@ChelseaH1]

@@hellophoojywglifestyle1464 Thank you so much for your kindness. 🙏❤️

[@lisvaj7375]

It speaks measures that she dedicates her medals to her parents. We all know great kids are brought up by two great pillars which are the parents/family.

[@MyOutdoors101]

Im hmong and ive been living here in the united state for about 35 years, i have never been this patriotic. I feel this way because no matter how loving i am towards the US and how down i am, i will always will be second or third. But this courageous women and for what shes been through and achieved historically, i have to admit that i had tears of joy and love this beautiful country even more. im proud of it and not ashame to call the united state of america home.. Congratulations suni and congratulations to all team usa. Yall did great representing the united state of america.

[@YA-qj8fx]

As an American, you're not second or third, you're just as American as the rest of us.

[@pntravels7514]

Beautiful and talented from the inside and outside. You are a truly hero golden girl!!!😘😘😘

[@barbarapurvishunter7215]

She is such an Angel--Best Wishes to her and a very happy life.

[@isaacmartinez2102]

She is such a respectful, humble, beautiful person.

[@olivergarrick1175]

The moments suni put the medal around her dad was such a heartfelt moments i literally tears😢 up honestly they are just amazing family. So proud of suni ,and cannot help admire she ,and dad relationship. Its truly golden🏅.

[@sophalawson6337]

Hey mom got one too. So that was beautiful to watch

[@bretissoawesome]

Aww this brought tears to my eyes. Way to go young lady. May your dad have a speedy recovery

[@ladyarh7778]

I love Suni!! She is so humble and sweet!! Congratulations girlfriend you did great!!

[@jeancruz8449]

When parents raised their child properly there’s nothing can go wrong blessed her talent and heart ❤️ acknowledging the hard work of her parents

[@teehee8101]

how convenient... she just copied jade carey!

[@1966lavc]

Daddy is the real owner of the Gold. for many times giving her the ride to practice , for giving her the confidence .Congrats Daddy.

[@nelidaflores4523]

can’t imagine what that feels like. i love their family dynamic, it’s so precious!

[@beverlygonzalez6264]

May EVERY child have parents that don't make excuses like "lack of finances" hinder them from achieving their dreams. "Suni, We can't afford a balance beam, so Dad will build you one, ok?" 😃🤸

[@yuiop6611]

Lack of finances isn’t an “excuse” honey. It’s a real thing. Don’t let this moment distort your perception of reality.

[@teehee8101]

how convenient... she just copied jade carey!

[@djess5802]

She is pretty on the inside and out! True champion!

[@yourmajestytheinternetuser]

So proud of her!! She’s golden.

[@cows4us]

That was so beautiful 🥲what an amazing woman and wonderful family

[@BestMods168]

She is going home a National Hero.

[@maryschneider2759]

what a winning family.

[@truth2175]

Just INSPIRATIONAL to all! This family and their story. Raising a humble and amazing person. Oh, and now the queen of gymnastics!

[@jz9132]

Finally, she is being celebrated in her own right for her accomplishments and not portrayed by the media as being in Biles’ shadow

[@Kymee474]

But yet you once bringing up someone who isn't even mentioned in the interview 🙄

[@virginiaknighten4687]

If you don’t like the media doing it, then why are you?

[@divadoll606]

@Jim Lahey No one's angry. Good for Sunni, but, the only ones bringing up Biles is the ones that claim to not be fans of her. Tell the truth, you're undercover fans.

[@navygurl4182]

@Jim Lahey nobody's salty but you. Only one to mention Simone was the silly commenter.

[@cgill914]

Absolutely incredible that she’s the first Asian-American to win gold in all around gymnastics!! I know the Hmong community has got to be sooo proud as well. Congrats Suni, Olympic Gold Medalist 🥇🎉🇺🇸❤️

[@khymellis]

Im so proud of her 😊 well deserved 👏

[@yuibot5998]

America is proud of Suni and her family/community. Sad that her parents couldn't be there in person but that's just how it goes. I hope her dad's therapy gets his feeling and use of his legs back, there's no doubt that he knows how to work hard and push himself and he's got a great family there to help him.

[@suzannekelly2826]

Love the interviewer.."just walk in the house cling cling cling"""..he's great..congrats to Suni!!!!

[@romanwalczak7748]

Awesome Suni rockssssss happy moment with her family God bless her family and specially her dad

[@lolitabubbles26]

This really is a big deal. The Hmong refugee community faced hurdle after hurdle of hardship after coming to America. My best friend in college is Hmong and she was so proud of her heritage and felt so much pressure to succeed for her parents. This is the representation they deserved, not that Clint Eastwood movie that couldn't even get their social customs right. Great job, Suni!

[@donkeydarko77]

Hurdle after hurdle? But then why didn’t any Hmong medal in Hurdles?

[@seewhyem]

@@donkeydarko77 lol.. you know that's not what she meant haha. Good one though.. gave me a good laugh.

[@donkeydarko77]

@@seewhyem :) I work with two Hmong siblings, and they have a great sense of humor. I had to...

[@teehee8101]

how convenient... she just copied jade carey!

[@userfriendly37]

We’re all very proud of you Sunisa Lee!! You and your family are the definition of the American Dream! 🇺🇸

[@debbie7866]

Yup!

[@maiseelauj]

So happy for her. When my friend told me her niece was going to the Olympics, we’ve been cheering her on. Big kudos to her.

[@tigertank06]

Suni Lee’s her niece?!

[@Bobe_Kyrant.42]

Is Suni from the hood?

[@teehee8101]

how convenient... she just copied jade carey!

[@teehee8101]

how convenient... she just copied jade carey!

[@bridgetwilson6080]

Sooo get your time. Congratulations Suni family so proud of you

[@nomtubxiong5502]

Sooo happy for Suni and her families....

[@you_r_my-world2288]

The happiness he brought home is a miracle. His dad will have a speedy recovery by this happiness/joy.

[@princesst2d2]

Soo proud and happy for her...congratulations Suni..

[@jhy2kmoney]

She makes the most of it by stepping in when opportunities come to represent us ( USA ) .

[@Jphan760]

It’s okay, he got to live it vicariously through u Suni!! He’s a proud dad! 👏🏼🥇

[@riceislife722]

This is an endearing moment. What a sweet way to honor her parents and family. She truly was raised to be a decent, respectful and loving young woman.

[@cockeyedoptimista]

She is a beautiful person. It's just incredible to see.

[@stephaniekaylive]

I am so happy and proud of you Suni Lee. You are one amazing gymnast and made America proud. Way to go team USA!

[@ainemairead4542]

Suni and her Sister look like really sweet people. The whole Family looks like really sweet people..

[@famf6234]

😭😭👏👏👏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸. You made your family proud….specially, your Dad! USA 🇺🇸 is so proud of you! Congratulations Suni Lee!! 🎊🍾🎉 Job well done!

[@natlee4609]

I get happy tears every time I see Sunisa and that the nation finally knows about us hmongs that we do exist and dreams do come true when you work hard.

[@chongly8351]

OMG I am so proud of Suni Lee.

[@thomaswayne4240]

Congratulations to sunisa lee bring back the Gold 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇 medal

[@vintagejunktofunk4616]

She’s so good, can’t wait to see her again in 3 years

[@samantharodriguez7079]

She is going to pursue a college career instead of a professional one

[@EclecticElegance13]

@@samantharodriguez7079 she can still go on another Olympic run regardless of if she’s collegiate or professional

[@tigertank06]

If she decides to. Although, I do feel that there would be immense pressure on her if Simone retired before 2024. The media will be looking to her like “Are you gonna defend your title?” and idk if that would be fair.

[@tigertank06]

@@EclecticElegance13 Yea but time will tell because it will get sticky once she approaches 2024. She’ll be a junior too, I think, by the time of the Olympics and she’ll have to balance competing with school and an intense training regimen that goes along with Olympic competing. Plus Olympic trials. Don’t forget the trials.

[@samantharodriguez7079]

@@EclecticElegance13 but then she’ll have to leave college early to prepare like Mykayla Skinner. It isn’t likely that she will

[@ricarellan]

I’m crying. So proud of her, her family and the Hmong community ❤️❤️❤️

[@trommelbiel]

Suni Lee is so sweet. She is now with a brother. God bless her!

[@ckv2783]

Congratulations Suni! You did it! Putting Hmong people on the map. What I love about my Hmong people is that we are family-oriented. This had me in tears cause my dad passed away yrs ago. This speaks volumes when you cherish and respect your parents. Suni definitely has a heart of Gold and I wish her the best in everything that she does. Go Suni!

[@PChan-yt4uf]

Almost all Asians of whatever ethnicity are family oriented.

[@HmongTsisNyiamZoo6994]

So happy for you Sunisa Lee, very proud fo you. Congradulation.....

[@Bushtl818]

Long live the United States of America, the only country that made it possible for someone like Suni, a tribal people and minority of minorities, to shine. Hmong lived in Asia, mainly in China for 5000 years, and not one soul made it to a national level, let alone international. This is so amazing. She proved that given the opportunity, anyone regardless of his/her race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, etc., can succeed in what they are truly good at. God bless Suni and her family. God bless America!

[@jremo9170]

Perfect and well said!!

[@ivanaanavi6375]

Yeah you’re the best, just like you let indigionus people to shine…. Long live the USA. Save us all from this hipocrisy. And ofcours, without sarcasam, huge congratulations to Suni and her family for making this happen.

[@noryaguilar6450]

Teary eyed here, so happy for Suni & the rest of US WAG Team🎉🎉🎉

[@hmongamericachannel5911]

Very wish to Sunisa Lee's family and Hmong communities throughout the world the best.

[@amandamcclendon9547]

Congratulations And she proved no matter what happens in your life you can always come out on top

[@robertruiz1265]

A grateful kid. Good parents. Results? GOLD !!!

[@haivhmhoobtiamneejtshiab8209]

She is great. Thank you for showing.

[@abbeyekrut9528]

Ahhh I’m crying

[@sofiecruz1247]

made me cry. Love Suni so much

[@lightening1296]

What a wholesome story. Really happy for Suni and her lovely family.

[@doreenwyatt6409]

So so proud of sumi what a great daughter and gymnastics 🤸‍♀️ wow 1#1

[@Skater51]

Love her!!! So happy for her, shes the GOAT. Congratulations.

[@tonygarcia4593]

Congratulations from Spain . Long live Sunisa Lee and Long live the Olympics

[@coolkevs2371]

dad is such a hero he built that girl from the start. salute u sir

[@tupscolls776]

Congratulations!! Beautiful family ! 🙏❤️

[@jessicapearshouse1728]

Lovely genuine girl and family so so happy for her

[@stesan60]

What an awesome Dad-daughter team! All the feels.

[@iVenge]

Respect for family. So nice to see.

[@zakkrick]

I’m Hmong and I’m happy that you have made history and no one can take that away from. 100 years from now you will always be remembered as the first who made it.

[@cuichu]

This is so sweet

[@kylemoore40]

Im a gangster but the moment she put her gold medal around her dad's neck im tearing up! God is good!

[@test-ky8tu]

😊

[@Kuvvvqingqunnn]

100%

[@Max-wd6og]

This the cringest comment here, ok “Kyle the gangster” 🤣

[@rhondamcbath6279]

What a kind & wonderful human being and daughter, and sister 😇 I'm so proud of Suni Lee, her American Dream came true, for our Country God Bless America!! Gold Metal "BABY"!!! ❣️❣️❣️(*❛‿❛)→ 🏅🥇🎖️💌❌⭕❌⭕✳️❇️🆒☮️☯️..🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷********TEAM USA********

[@liferipsfam]

oh yea? How gangster are you? 😂😂😂😂😂. Cringe level = 💯

[@valerieh5400]

Brilliant. Beautiful. Badass.

[@tutatehaja1777]

Beautiful words, such a respectful and loving young women. Her family are amazing. God bless you

[@andycastillo433]

You can tell she has such a wonderful spirit, she gives me hope that woman still have values and morals

[@johnwilliams640]

That was really sweet of her. Bless you lil lady.

[@bliavue7719]

Watching her perform at the Olympics she always reminds me of Mulan because of her tough fulness! Giving her dad that Gold medal she won, she's definitely the Hmoob Mulan!

[@angiecoers6255]

What a beautiful daughter and loving family .

[@mattschinsing1281]

Congratulations beautiful suni Lee I'm so happy a asian girl won the gold I love suni Lee beautiful and talented girl

[@raultv760]

Wow, just keep getting video recommendations that are just makin me cry 😢😭🤧. So happy for her and her family ❤

[@faYte0607]

I hope Suni's recognition can make all of us re-think our identity as Americans from different ethnicities and walks of life amidst all the chaos going on right now, and especially the racism against Asian Americans. We are all Americans, by nationality, but we come from a diverse background. What unites us is the flag we pledge allegiance to. What unites us is the innovation created from our melting pot. Please don't break America apart because our colors are different. Please don't say anymore that America does not belong to Asian Americans. Also, not all Asian Americans come from wealthy backgrounds, and we are not all privileged. Suni's story is proof of what a typical Asian American immigrant family goes through to reach the top--hard work, determination, and the motivation to do it for our family. We did not have rich uncles or inheritance from our granddads. Suni did this first and foremost for her family, herself, and for America, in this order. We're so proud of her, for representing America on world stage, and for representing Asian Americans. Please be mindful the next time you want to shout racial slurs against someone of Asian descent.

[@ricarellan]

❤️❤️❤️❤️ Agreed

[@Tsovtub1972]

Thanks Sunisa for your hard work to put us hmong on the table and finally the world know who we are.

[@chahanng9989]

CONGRATULATIONS !! SUNI 👏👏👏👏

[@Caitecakess]

Absolutely deserved and an incredible story!!! Nothing hits the heart like a girl and her dad! Congratulations!!!! 🎊🎉 🎊🎉 also that interviewer is so great! Love his energy!

[@sandramorey2529]

The whole country loves Suni and her family working so hard to achieve this excellence. We wish them the best.

[@freespeech6670]

That what i love about America we all live in a country with all diversity

[@debbie7866]

Yes!

[@mountaindragon7289]

Shame about your politicians and media.

[@esthergonzales257]

Way to go Suni well deserved.👏👏👏👏

[@yervang4568]

Very proud of you and your dad.

[@shad0wCh8ser]

Suni Lee and her family are absolutely adorable.

[@raynuh138]

I’m not crying … you’re crying 🤧 🥺 💕

[@ashleyhernandez9151]

"I can't wait to go home and put that gold medal on his neck because he deserves it just as much as I did" ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. I was a competitive gymnast for 15 years and even though I didn't go to the Olympics, a good medal means the world to them. Not only does Team USA have passion, heart, strength, and talent, but they have perseverance. Couldn't be more proud of being a gymnast!!!

[@P.KHADEE]

Just Beautiful ❤️

[@klc6239]

She is a gem - her family and community. Thank you for the cry and laugh "Cling Cling Cling Cling Cling" and also to the interviewer who knew when to help her out of that emotional moment in that way. She's our little sister so protect her! 'Preciate it.

[@chongly725]

Peoples have to had a big heart and lot of love to succeed like Suni and her parents.

[@pamly7258]

Suni.. Congratulations! You are a pot of gold and a champion to all of us. Thank you & love you.❤🌈

[@Bae-e9d]

Suni Lee is a Icon to the Asian Americans. She isn’t just representing one culture “Hmong” but all Asian Americans or should I say “America” all together. Big shout out to her parents for supporting her.

[@selah7779]

What a proud moment for all. So proud of Suni Lee🥇

[@pematsamchoe6722]

Sunil you are hero of America also your family’s too. I t touched me a lot that you.give a medal to your parents.Keep it up Sunil.

[@lambertguadez8826]

Congratulations 🍾🎉🎈🎊 More Power.. God Bless!