By Wil Crews
sportscrews@
opelikaobserver.com
AUBURN ––
Auburn University gymnastics star and Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee has been nominated for Best Athlete in Women’s Sports and Best Olympian in Women’s Sports at the 2022 ESPY Awards.
Lee had a noteworthy 2022. After taking home a gold and bronze medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, Lee began competing for Auburn this past year. She became the 2022 National balance bean champion and placed second in the all-around at the NCAA Championships in April.
Lee was nominated alongside Candace Parker (basketball), Katie Ledecky (swimming) and Oksana Masters (cross country skiing, road cycling and biathlon) for Best Athlete in Women’s Sports. Ledecky, Masters and Allyson Felix (track & field) were alongside Lee for Best Olympian in Women’s Sports.
The sophomore is expected to return to Auburn for her second season competing as part of Auburn’s gymnastics in 2023.
The ESPY’s is a yearly awards show presented by ABC (formerly ESPN) to recognize individual and team athletic achievements and performances. The first ESPY’s were in 1993. Similar to other notable awards shows like the Grammys, Emmys or Oscars, the ESPY’s are hosted by a contemporary celebrity.
The 2022 ESPYs will take place July 20, at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN.