Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee made a groundbreaking runway debut at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, trading her leotard for angel wings and embodying a new era of inclusivity and athletic glamour for the iconic brand. Her appearance as the first Hmong-American all-around gymnastics champion to grace the VS catwalk signifies a powerful bridge between elite sports and high fashion, inspiring young girls worldwide.
The world watched as two-time Olympic gold medalist Sunisa “Suni” Lee captivated audiences in a new arena: the runway of the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. On October 15 in New York City, the 22-year-old gymnast made her highly anticipated debut, marking a significant moment not only for her burgeoning fashion career but also for the iconic lingerie brand’s ongoing reinvention towards greater inclusivity and diversity.
A Surprise Announcement and a Powerful Debut
Lee’s casting for the prestigious show was a delightful surprise, revealed just hours before the event kicked off at 7 p.m. at a Brooklyn waterfront venue. Victoria’s Secret and Lee jointly announced the news on Instagram, proclaiming, “it’s official: sunisa lee is trading gold for PINK and walking the victoria ’s secret fashion show runway tonight . get ready to watch her make her-story (again) 💖 🪽.” This unexpected reveal heightened the anticipation for her walk, which was streamed live globally on Prime Video and Amazon Live.
Stepping onto the stage, Lee radiated confidence and joy, beaming as she strutted down the runway. Her appearance was a highlight, representing the brand’s more youthful and athletic line, PINK. She sported a stylish ensemble featuring a pink sports bra emblazoned with “PINK” in silver letters, black short shorts, and a pink zip-up hoodie adorned with miniature angel wings on the back. The look was completed with massive silver hoop earrings and sparkling silver pumps, while her glam included flushed cheeks, purple shimmer eyes, and sleek, straight hair.
Bridging Sports, Fashion, and Inclusivity
Lee’s participation in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is more than just a model debut; it’s a powerful statement on diversity and representation. As the first Hmong-American all-around gymnastics champion, her presence on such a global stage carries immense weight. Lee shared with People that being selected for Victoria’s Secret, a brand actively undergoing a reinvention focused on inclusivity, felt like “a dream outside of my comfort zone.”
Growing up, Lee noted the lack of representation of girls who looked like her in major fashion events. “To now be here as an athlete, as someone who’s worked so hard to achieve her dreams, it feels powerful,” she expressed. “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.” This sentiment perfectly aligns with Victoria’s Secret’s evolving vision, aiming to break away from its traditional “angel” archetype and embrace a broader definition of beauty and strength, as reported by People.
The 2025 lineup exemplified this shift, featuring established supermodels alongside fresh faces from sports and music. Fellow athlete and WNBA star Angel Reese also walked the runway, adding to the show’s sporty side. Reese, known for her dominance in the WNBA, modeled a sultry pink set, expressing that walking in the show was “a dream” she had manifested, according to the New York Post.
The “Sporty Meets Glam” Aesthetic of PINK
Lee’s segment highlighted the “sporty meets glam” aesthetic of Victoria’s Secret PINK line. She described the collection as “literally the coziest thing ever,” combining athletic functionality with glamorous touches. This blend resonated with her own background as an elite athlete, effortlessly merging her world of gymnastics with high fashion.
From Olympic Gold to Fashion’s Front Row
Lee’s journey to the Victoria’s Secret runway is a testament to her versatile talents and growing influence beyond gymnastics. Her illustrious career includes two Olympic gold medals, with a historic all-around gold at Tokyo 2021. Even before her runway debut, Lee was no stranger to the fashion scene. She had graced various Fashion Week events globally, most recently attending New York Fashion Week in September, where she sat front row at shows for designers like Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, and Jonathan Simkhai.
Just months after helping Team USA secure gold in the team final at the 2024 Paris Olympics—where she also earned bronze in the uneven bars and all-around—Lee has embraced a new chapter in the Big Apple, shifting her focus from competitive gymnastics to the fashion world. She has also appeared on numerous magazine covers, including the Sports Illustrated Swim 2025 issue alongside other esteemed athletes, as highlighted by People. Her high-profile appearances at events like the ESPYs further solidify her standing as a style icon.
Star-Studded Performances and Global Reach
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was not just about the fashion; it was a grand spectacle featuring electrifying performances. The K-pop girl group TWICE, with members Nayeon, Jihyo, Tzuyu, and Momo, set the runway ablaze with their performances of “This Is For” and “Strategy.” They too donned Victoria’s Secret PINK attire, including fuzzy knee-high boots and rhinestone-emblazoned clothing, as reported by Billboard. The members expressed their excitement about showcasing a new side of their group.
The show’s musical lineup also included powerhouse artists such as Missy Elliott, Karol G, and Madison Beer, ensuring a high-energy backdrop for the models. The global livestream via Prime Video and Amazon Live brought the event to countless viewers, solidifying its status as a major cultural moment.
The Enduring Impact of Suni Lee’s Journey
Suni Lee’s journey from an Olympic gymnastics powerhouse to a runway model for Victoria’s Secret underscores a wider cultural shift. Her story serves as a powerful inspiration for young girls, particularly those from underrepresented communities, demonstrating that diverse ambitions can be pursued while celebrating every facet of one’s identity and strength. Lee’s runway debut is more than just a fashion moment; it’s a testament to breaking barriers and expanding the definition of what it means to be beautiful, strong, and influential.
