In 2021, Sunisa “Suni” Lee made history as the first Asian-American gymnast to win a gold medal in the women’s all-around competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. At just 18 years old, she captured the hearts of millions. And in Paris 2024, she has already won a gold medal in the women’s team all-around.
As Suni is in her second Olympic appearance in Paris, fans are eager to learn more about her personal life, particularly her love life. She has been in a relationship with Jaylin Smith, a student of the University of Southern California.
While the pair has kept their relationship mostly private, there are some things that we know about Smith. If you want to know more about him, as well as their relationship. Here’s all the details.
Who Is Jaylin Smith?
According to US Weekly, Jaylin Smith, Suni’s boyfriend, is a senior at the University of Southern California, where he plays football for the Trojans as a cornerback. Before his college career, Jaylin played at Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, California. He started at USC in the fall of 2021.
Jaylin is also recognized for his appearance on Snoop Dogg’s Netflix series, “Coach Snoop.” He was one of the standout players on Snoop’s youth football team, which won a national title. On the show, Jaylin shared his emotional journey following the tragic loss of his mother in a hit-and-run accident when he was young.
“Every time I scored, I’d hear her cheering on the sideline,” Jaylin shared. “I miss her being there with me. I cry sometimes, but I don’t like to show my emotions. I’m a strong guy. I grieve on the field and make sure you feel it because you’re on a different team from me.”
Suni Lee and Jaylin Smith’s Relationship
Though Suni and Jaylin have not publicly detailed the start of their relationship, Suni posted photos of them together on Instagram in December 2021, which she later removed. She revealed that she faced backlash over their interracial relationship, particularly from some members of the Hmong community.
Since then, Suni and Jaylin have chosen to keep their relationship private. Suni has not posted any photos of them together on social media, though they still follow each other on Instagram and show subtle support. On May 17, Jaylin posted photos of himself in an Indianapolis Colts uniform, to which Suni responded with a simple, “proud.”
