Former Auburn gymnast [autotag]Suni Lee[/autotag] is heading to Paris after a strong showing at the US Gymnastics Olympic trials over the weekend.
Lee finished with a 111.675 all-around score in the two-day event, earning a second-place finish behind Simone Biles, who scored a 117.225. Lee will join Biles, as well as Jordan Chiles, Hezley Rivera, and Jade Carey for the Paris Olympics as members of the Team USA Gymnastics team.
For Lee, the bid to Paris is overwhelming. Last year, her Auburn gymnastics career ended abruptly as she stepped away from the program to battle a kidney ailment. Following Sunday’s competition, she told reporters that she could not imagine herself in this position a year ago.
“Well, I was just reminded of my goals every day and constantly surrounded by people who never let me give up. I’m so thankful because a year ago, I didn’t even think this was …yeah, I didn’t think this was possible and I’m so grateful for all these amazing ladies. They’re absolutely incredible, so I can’t wait to be in Paris.”
To celebrate Lee’s second-straight Olympics bid, here is a look back at the best images of Suni Lee competing in Sunday’s US Olympic trials.