"I'm not tall and skinny or wasn't a real model"- Suni Lee claps back at criticism over runway debut at Victoria's Secret Fashion Week

Suni Lee has fired back at criticism over her debut at Victoria's Secret Fashion Week. Lee made her first runway walk for the American lingerie, clothing and beauty brand on October 15.

Lee walked on the runway for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show alongside American basketball star Angel Reese. The gymnast wore a cheeky and sporty outfit from the brand's PINK line. Lee was seen wearing black mini shorts paired with a sports bra. The look was completed with a pink jacket, sparkling accessories, and stiletto heels.

Although her fans and other athletes were mesmerized by her outfit, she also received criticism from some quarters over her unconventional look. However, the backlash did not affect the multiple-time Olympic medalist as she had an answer of her own.

During her appearance at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City on November 3 Lee responded to the criticism, saying:

"Honestly, there was just a lot of people mad because I'm not tall and skinny or wasn't a real model, but like at the end of the day, I was there and they [the critics] weren’t, so it was just really exciting. I was really happy to be there, so I wasn't going to let anyone take my moment away from me."

Lee was seen wearing a pastel orange low-cut gown by Dauphinette at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards.

Suni Lee explains what it meant to appear at the Victoria's Secret runway walk

Suni Lee attends Glamour Women of the Year in New York City. (Photo by Getty Images)

Speaking about her appearance for Victoria's Secret runway walk, Suni Lee stated that although young girls have looked up to her as a gymnast, she was never seen as an icon in the fashion world. In an interview with Marie Claire, she added that walking the runway allowed her to showcase to young girls that they could be athletes and embrace their femininity, too.

"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. 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."

She added:

"Honestly, I didn’t have much time to prepare for this, and that was probably for the best. It allowed me to show up here exactly as I am. Just me, not trying to be something I’m not."

After the Paris Olympics, Suni Lee also appeared on the SI Swimsuit issue.