Thread by @nytimes

The gymnast Sunisa Lee, 18, will be one of four representing the U.S. in the team competition at the Olympics. She is favored to win an individual medal in the uneven bars, one of the hardest events in gymnastics. nyti.ms/3zHyEEi

Lee spent much of 2020 like many of us, locked inside and mourning the loss of loved ones. When she returned to training in June last year, she injured her ankle and was out for three more months. nyti.ms/3BCgHbX

In Tokyo, she will try one of the hardest bar routines in the world.

We used motion-capture technology to display the strength, precision and stamina that sets her apart.
nyti.ms/3BCgHbX

Uneven bars is one of the most physically demanding events in women’s gymnastics, because athletes must use their arms throughout. The stakes are high.

Here’s what happens when Lee is a bit off on her first move, the Nabieva. nyti.ms/3BCgHbX

Lee isn’t a star only on the uneven bars. Her performance on the beam and floor will be just as important for her chances at an all-around medal and could help Team USA bring home a third consecutive team gold medal. nyti.ms/3BCgHbX

To understand what makes Lee one of the best gymnasts in the world, we spent time with her in Minnesota as she prepared for her Olympic debut.
nyti.ms/3BCgHbX