Former Auburn gymnast Sunisa Lee and Team USA captured the gold medal on Tuesday in the women’s artistic gymnastics team competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic games.
“This team has definitely been through a lot,” Lee said in a release sent out by Auburn. “We had so many expectations on us, but we did what we were supposed to do. We went out there and had fun with it, and I think that was the most important thing. We’re just so excited.”
Team USA scored a 171.296 — beating second place Italy by almost six points — with Lee competing in three events for the U.S. squad, going on bars, beam and floor.
“What a great day for USA Gymnastics,” Auburn head coach Jeff Graba said. “It was so great to see Suni back in her element, having fun. We are so proud of all she’s accomplished so far and can’t wait to see what else is in store for her this week. It was also great to hear ‘War Eagle’ from the crowd during the meet!”
The five Americans making up the 2024 USA Olympic gymnastics squad started off the competition with a major lead with a 44.100 on vault. They moved on to bars where Lee anchored with a team-best 14.566, guiding the team to a 43.332.
Team USA moved on to beam in the third rotation, and Lee was once again the top scorer for the squad, earning a 14.6 — the highest of the day by any gymnast — to push the Americans even further ahead from the competition.
“Once I got up there, I started to calm down,” Lee said about her beam routine. “I took the pressure off myself and knew I needed to go up there and do what I normally do. And that’s exactly what I did. I think I did one of the best beam routines I could’ve done.”
Lee led off the final rotation with a 13.533 on floor and teammates Jordan Chiles and Simone Biles sealed the deal to secure gold for the Americans.
Up next for Lee is the women’s all-around competition where she will defend her title — claiming the gold medal in the 2020 games. The meet kicks off Thursday, Aug. 1, at 11:15 a.m. CST.
In addition, Lee will go for gold on the uneven bars on Aug. 4 at 8:40 a.m. CST and the beam on Aug. 5 at 5:36 a.m. CST.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Patrick is a junior from Auburn, Alabama, double majoring in journalism and marketing. He started with The Plainsman in the fall of 2022.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @patrickabingham
