- Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee is making history as one of the first athletes to walk in the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
- Lee expressed her “complete shock” at being cast, embracing the opportunity to step outside her comfort zone and inspire young girls.
- Championing the show’s new era of inclusivity, Lee aims to show young women they can be both strong athletes and embrace their femininity.
- She shared exclusive behind-the-scenes details, from her “sporty meets glam” outfit to her excitement for the signature “bombshell” makeover.
Two-time Olympic gymnast and all-around gold medalist Sunisa “Suni” Lee is accustomed to making history, but her latest achievement takes her from the balance beam to the runway. In a move that left even her in “complete shock,” Lee is set to walk in the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, becoming one of the first-ever athletes to grace the iconic catwalk.
H2: A Powerful, Unexpected First
Lee, who became the first Hmong-American to compete for Team USA and win an all-around gold medal in 2021, is breaking new ground once again alongside WNBA star Angel Reese. “Stepping into something like the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show felt like a dream outside of my comfort zone,” Lee shared with Marie Claire. “But that’s exactly why I said yes.”
The gymnast revealed that the surprise nature of the booking worked in her favor. “Honestly, I didn’t have much time to prepare for this, and that was probably for the best,” she explained. “It allowed me to show up here exactly as I am. Just me, not trying to be something I’m not.”
H3: Championing a New Era of Inclusivity
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has been actively revamping its image, moving toward a more inclusive and diverse casting approach. This shift resonated deeply with Lee, who sees this as a pivotal moment.
“Growing up, I didn’t see many girls who looked like me in spaces like this. To now be here as an athlete, as someone who’s worked so hard to achieve her dreams, it feels powerful,” she stated. “I want young girls to know they don’t have to fit into just one box. You can chase Olympic gold and still own your femininity.”
Her mission is clear: to inspire the next generation. “I want young girls, especially those who look like me or come from communities like mine, to see that they can own every version of themselves, strong, soft, bold, or glamorous.”
H3: From Cozy Glam to Bombshell Wings
Ahead of the show, Lee offered a glimpse into her runway look. She will appear in a Victoria’s Secret Pink segment wearing a micro short, bra top, and hoodie she describes as “the coziest thing ever” and “sporty meets glam in the best way.”
The look will be completed with her very own pair of wings, a quintessential part of the VS experience. However, Lee is most excited about the legendary beauty transformation. “I always like to wear my hair blown out because it instantly makes me feel confident and put together, so I’m excited to get the supermodel makeover that will take the look to a whole other level,” she said, referencing the revamped “bombshell glam” by Dame Pat McGrath.
As she prepared to trade her leotard for lingerie, Lee held onto advice that applies as much to the runway as it does to the Olympics: “The best advice I got was to have fun and to trust myself—and that’s exactly what I plan to do out there.”