After clinching gold at the Paris Olympics, Suni Lee decided to take a much-needed break from gymnastics to focus on her health, battling an underlying kidney disease. But stepping back from the mat didn’t mean stepping out of the spotlight. Trading her leotard for a vibrant swimsuit, Lee made a stunning debut in the modeling world with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit after turning heads again as a model at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show last month. While critics had plenty to say about her new ventures, is she paying them any mind?

Not a chance. While speaking to People magazine , the athlete addressed the backlash surrounding her runway debut. The gymnast revealed that critics targeted her appearance, saying she wasn’t the typical “ model type .” She explained, “Honestly, there wer

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