Choose a mood and the room itself answers — the light cools or warms, the air changes pace, and only the works that carry that feeling step forward from the dark. Everything else recedes into shadow.
Early Life and Gymnastics Beginnings Born: March 9, 2003, in St. Paul, Minnesota Family Background: Hmong American heritage; mother, Yeev Thoj, a refugee from Laos. Raised by John Lee, whom she considers her father. Early Interest: Began gymnastics training at age six at Midwest Gymnastics Center. Her father built a balance beam in their backyard to encourage her passion. Rapid Progression: Quickly advanced through the levels,
qualifying for the elite program by age eleven (2014). Rise to Prominence and Olympic Success 2019 Breakthrough: Competed in her first senior USA Gymnastics National Championships, placing second in the all-around behind Simone Biles. Earned a spot on the US team for the World Championships. 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Achieved phenomenal success at the delayed 2020 Summer Olympics. Gold Medal: Won the gold medal in the wome…