[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan have proclaimed Friday, July 30, 2021, as Sunisa Lee Day in the State of Minnesota to celebrate Team USA's Sunisa (Suni) Lee winning Olympic gold on Thursday, July 29, 2021, in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics gymnastics individual all-around competition. 18-year-old Lee, from Saint Paul, Minnesota, is the first Hmong-American to compete in the Olympics.

“Suni Lee, Minnesota’s own, has made our state and country proud by etching her name among the legendary USA Olympians that have won at the Summer Games,” said Governor Walz. “We so proud of you, Suni. Way to bring home the gold!”

“Congratulations to Team USA’s Suni Lee, the first Hmong-American Olympian, on bringing home the gold medal. Minnesota is so proud of you,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “That roar you hear coming from Minnesota is all of the love and excitement we’re sending to you in Tokyo! The story of your victory will be told to generations of Minnesotans as you exemplify the very best of who we are.”

Lee and her teammates have trained through adversity, including her father’s injury, the COVID-19 pandemic, and competing at venues without a live audience or fans to cheer them on.

Following the Governor’s announcement, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter also plans to declare Sunisa Lee Day in the City of Saint Paul tomorrow.