Who is Suni Lee? Olympic gold medallist and first athlete to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway

Olympic champion Suni Lee is set to make her Victoria’s Secret Pink runway debut this year — proving that strength and style walk hand in hand.

Sunisa “Suni” Lee, the two-time Olympic gymnast who clinched gold at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, is making headlines once again — this time in the world of fashion.

The 22-year-old athlete is set to make her debut at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2025, walking for the brand’s younger section, Victoria's Secret Pink, known for its sporty line.

In an interview with Marie Claire, Lee described the opportunity as “a dream outside of my comfort zone.” She shared that the moment carries deep personal meaning — not just as a career milestone, but as a chance to inspire young girls to embrace every side of themselves. Limiting yourself, especially as an Asian American woman, isn’t necessary, she explained.

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“Growing up, I didn’t see many girls who looked like me in spaces like this,” Lee said. “To now be here as an athlete and as someone who’s worked hard to achieve her dreams — it feels powerful. I want young girls to know they don’t have to fit into one box. You can chase Olympic gold and still own your femininity.”

As the first Hmong-American and Asian-American woman to win Olympic gold in the all-around category, Lee continues to redefine representation in sports and beyond. “I want young girls, especially those who look like me or come from communities like mine, to see that they can own every version of themselves — strong, soft, bold, or glamorous,” she added.

Victoria’s Secret Pink announced her participation on Instagram with the caption, “It’s official: Sunisa Lee is trading gold for PINK and walking the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway tonight. Get ready to watch her make her-story (again).”

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Lee walk alongside fashion icon Gigi Hadid and fellow athlete Angel Reese. The line-up will also include Iris Law (daughter of actor Jude Law), Euphoria star Barbie Ferreira, and YouTuber Quenlin Blackwell. The 2025 show marks the brand’s return with a renewed emphasis on diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment, featuring performances by Missy Elliott, Karol G, Madison Beer, and TWICE.

The event is to be streamed globally on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube on October 15, 2025, at 7 PM ET.

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Lee's runway debut is set to blend athletics and glamour in a way to celebrate strength, identity and self expression. The fashion show will make a lasting statement proving that power and poise can coexist beautifully on and off the runway.