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Nearly 300 people joined Sunisa Lee’s family at an early morning watch party in Oakdale. Organizers for the event did not expect such a large turnout. The event started early, but on top of the large crowd that had already gathered before the competition, more people trickled in throughout the morning. Credit: Ben Hovland | Sahan Journal
Minnesota is home to the largest Hmong population in the country. As the first Hmong American to compete and win a gold medal in the Olympics, Sunisa Lee’s historic victory was especially exhilarating. “I want to show Sunisa that everybody in Saint Paul and in the community is rooting for her. I hope that doesn’t put more pressure on her,” said Sunisa’s father, John Lee. Credit: Ben Hovland | Sahan Journal
Sunisa Lee’s mother Yeev Thoj said she usually holds her breath while Sunisa competes, praying she won’t fall off of a beam or bar. After watching her daughter’s history-making performance, she finally exhaled—and let out a mighty cheer. “It’s amazing that she’s the first Hmong ever,” Thoj said. “It’s a huge thing for the community and for our families.” Credit: Ben Hovland | Sahan Journal
Nearly 300 people joined Sunisa Lee’s family at an early morning watch party in Oakdale. Organizers for the event did not expect such a large turnout. The event started early, but on top of the large crowd that had already gathered before the competition, more people trickled in throughout the morning. Credit: Ben Hovland | Sahan Journal
At an early morning watch party July 29, 2021, Sunisa Lee’s family and supporters exploded with joy after she won an Olympic gold medal for the women’s —becoming the first Hmong American to do so. Sunisa won in the women’s gymnastics all-around event. Credit: Ben Hovland | Sahan Journal
Sunisa Lee’s father John had been hosting watch parties with his family at their Saint Paul home. For the women’s gymnastics all-around competition, he invited the public to join his family at Brothers Event Center in Oakdale. Rows of chairs were set up in front of a livestream of the Olympics, which was being projected onto a large screen. Credit: Ben Hovland | Sahan Journal
Shyenne Lee watches her sister Sunisa compete in the women’s gymnastics all-around competition. The crowd stayed quiet, but erupted with cheers when Sunisa stuck the landing. Sunisa finished the event with a 13.7 score—in a competition where a one-tenth margin can make all the difference. Credit: Ben Hovland | Sahan Journal
Just before the medal ceremony, Sunisa’s sister Shyenne Lee was able to catch the new champion over Facetime. A cheering crowd circled around her as she held her phone up to show Sunisa the party. Credit: Ben Hovland | Sahan Journal
“It’s amazing that she’s the first Hmong ever,” said Sunisa’s mom Yeev Thoj. “It’s a huge thing for the community and for our families.” Credit: Ben Hovland | Sahan Journal
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Hibah Ansari is a reporter for Sahan Journal and corps member with Report For America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms. She was named the 2022 Young Journalist of...