Olympic gymnast Suni Lee has captured hearts worldwide with her incredible performances on the balance beam and uneven bars. But beyond her athletic prowess, Lee’s personal life has also been in the spotlight. In this article, we delve into her relationship with USC footballer Jaylin Smith, the challenges they faced, and the positive response from fans.
The Love Story
Lee and Smith’s love story began in January 2022 when they started dating1. The adorable couple made their relationship public through an Instagram post, sharing photos of themselves hugging in matching hoodies. Despite their different backgrounds, they found common ground in their affection for each other.
The Backlash
However, their relationship wasn’t all smooth sailing. When Lee posted about her romance with Smith, they faced a racial backlash. Negative comments flooded social media, particularly from Lee’s own Hmong-American community. Some questioned the interracial romance, highlighting the challenges that couples from different racial backgrounds often encounter.
A TikTok Defender
Amidst the negativity, a TikTok user named @alixvangphom defended Lee, emphasizing that love transcends race and gender. In a heartfelt video, they wrote, “LOVE is LOVE, no matter what race or gender you are. Keep doing you QUEEN”. Lee expressed her gratitude, acknowledging the support from fans who celebrated their love.
The Power Couple
Lee, the first Asian American gymnast to win the Olympic all-around competition, continues to break barriers. She’s set to compete against Simone Biles in Paris, making history as the first two Olympic all-around champions to face each other in women’s artistic gymnastics final competition1. Meanwhile, Smith, a senior cornerback for the USC Trojans, has made his mark on the football field with impressive stats.
