Suni Lee announces this is her last Auburn gymnastics season as 2024 Olympics approach

AUBURN, Ala. — The 2023 gymnastics season will be Suni Lee's last at Auburn, the 19-year-old announced Tuesday on Twitter.

"Competing for Auburn University has always been a dream of mine, and a dream that rose in tandem with going to the Olympics," Lee said in a video. "I've learned so much about myself, true teamwork and about community during my time here. With that being said, this will be my last season competing at Auburn University. My focus right now is to make it the most incredible season yet and to be the best teammate I can be to strive for excellence and to reach our maximum potential.

The sophomore will be returning to elite gymnastics to push for a spot in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. She won a gold medal for her performance in Tokyo during the 2020 Games, making her the fifth straight American to win women's gymnastics all-around.

Shortly following her showing in Tokyo, Lee competed in "Dancing with the Stars," performing 13 times in nine weeks before being eliminated and finishing in fifth place. Her partner was Alexander "Sasha" Farber, a professional dancer who also teamed up with gymnasts Simone Biles and Mary Lou Retton during their respective appearances on the show.

MORE: US women win sixth consecutive world gymnastics title, qualify for 2024 Olympics in Paris

SPORTS NEWSLETTER: Sign up now to get top sports headlines delivered daily

Lee won the 2022 NCAA title in the balance beam as a freshman and helped Auburn to a fourth-place finish.

"I have my sights set on Paris in 2024 and I know what I have to do to get there," Lee said. "I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and putting in the work."

Richard Silva is the Auburn beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at rsilva@ganett.com or on Twitter @rich_silva18.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Sunisa Lee to end Auburn gymnastics career after 2023 as Olympics near