America's latest sports darling Sunisa Lee has brought pride and excitement to her Hmong community in the U.S. Her success has brought inspiration to many young Hmong people in the country that anything is possible if you're willing to work for it. Georgia Asian Times reached out to several Hmong individuals for their thoughts on Sunisa Lee's Olympic success:
“I first learned of Suni back in 2019 from a local Minnesota TV interview and was surprised to learn of her Hmong background and what she does. Since then, I’ve followed her on her journey. I knew it within me that she’ll make it big and far one day. Words cannot express how I truly feel about her achievement in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. I am filled with over joy and so proud of her. I am proud to have a fellow Hmong-American sister, not to mention, the first Hmong-American woman and Olympian to win the gold metal in history. Suni is truly motivational and an inspiration to me and our fellow Hmong community all over the world. Suni has shown not through words only, but actions that anything is possible and dreams could be achieved as long as you stay true to yourself and what you love and what you set your heart to. Suni, her family, and the love and support that they have for each other has touched my heart along with many of the Hmong’s. I ever so kindly want to thank Suni and her family for the inspiration that they have given to me and everyone. I look forward to Suni’s journey and many more of my fellow Hmong brothers and sisters.”
Michelle Thao, Miss Hmong Georgia
“At the moment, I can’t believe the world-wide magnitude outpouring of love and support for Sunisa Lee! There is a saying in Hmong, “Hmoob yuav tsum hlub Hmoob. Leej twg yuav hlub Hmoob?” This translates as, “Hmong have to love Hmong. Who else will love Hmong?” Now, I am even more proud to say that I am Hmong! Growing up, I have always heard that Hmong are to be resilient and Sunisa has proven this to be true with her Golden Olympic! She has not only won gold for herself, for her family, and for USA, but for all Hmong! Sunisa has made history by paving the path for more dreams to come true.”
Yvonne Yang, Gwinnett County Public School Educator
Co-founder of nonprofit Hmong Women Resource Alliance
“I am very happy and proud of Sunisa Lee's gold medal accomplishment. Her success not only brings pride to us Hmong people but to all of us as Americans! I hope the young generation Hmong will continue to excel and to continue to make us Asian Americans proud!”
May Keomahathai, Hmong community volunteer since 1976
