When Simone Biles made the decision not to compete in some of the events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she opened the door for her teammates to go for the gold.
Eighteen-year-old Sunisa “Suni” Lee stepped up in a big way, bringing home three medals, including the gold in the individual all-around!
“Coming into this competition, I didn’t even think that I could be competing for a gold medal,” Suni explained. “I was coming to compete for a silver medal. To be here, it’s crazy.”
While celebrating her win, the gymnast mentioned her dad, John Lee, who has always been her biggest supporter. “This is our dream, and this is our medal,” she said.
When the team returned home, Suni couldn’t wait to put that gold medal around the neck of her biggest supporter and fan.
Two years ago, just days before Suni was due to compete at the U.S. Championships, John fell off a ladder while helping a friend trim some trees. He suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the chest down, but he never stopped rooting for his little girl!
Simone admires the bond between Suni and John so much that she decided to do something kind for him when they got back to the U.S.
So she got in touch with the “Today” show and worked with Quantum Rehab to get John a brand new fitted electric wheelchair to replace the manual chair he’s used since 2019. In a special TV segment, reporter Natalie Morales showed up with the gift along with a special video from the GOAT herself.
“I love your daughter Suni so much,” Simone told him. “You have done so much for her, so I reached out to my friends at the ‘Today’ show to see if we could do something special for you.”
When John saw the custom electric wheelchair, he was delighted! “Now they don’t have to keep pushing me around,” the dad said. “Well this is amazing. Thank you, guys.”
What a sweet, considerate thing to do! Simone is constantly showing us all how to be gracious and classy in the face of adversity. No wonder she’s called the greatest of all time!
Watch the moment when Simone surprises John in the video below, and don’t forget to share this incredible story.
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