Sunisa Lee Aims to Make History with Groundbreaking Full-Twisting Jaeger in Paris

Sunisa Lee, the defending Olympic all-around gold medalist and uneven bars bronze medalist, is gearing up for an ambitious leap into the gymnastics spotlight at the 2024 Paris Games. Her latest endeavor involves the introduction of a groundbreaking skill in her uneven bars routine—a release move that combines a front flip with a full twist in the layout position. If successful, this move, known as a full-twisting Jaeger, could secure Lee a place in gymnastics history as the first woman to complete it in international competition. The stakes are high, as executing "The Lee" would not only elevate the complexity of her routine but also etch her name into the sport's Code of Points. This esteemed recognition is reserved for only a handful of gymnasts each year, making the honor of having a skill named after oneself particularly rare. Lee's potential achievement would mark the first time a skill has been named in her honor, reflecting her contribution to the evolution of the sport. The full-twisting Jaeger would stand out as one of the most formidable elements in women's uneven bars. In gymnastics, every skill is assigned a letter value corresponding to its difficulty, ranging from A to G, with the possibility of reaching an H for especially challenging moves. The Jaeger family of skills, named after gymnast Bernd Jäger, involves a 360-degree swing on the high bar followed by a release into a front flip before regrasping the bar. Variations of this skill, like the Cappuccitti, are rarely attempted in competition due to their high difficulty level. The addition of a full twist to Lee's version significantly heightens the challenge. Lee's innovative approach is particularly notable as she diverges from the recent trend of modifying existing release skills like the Tkatchev. While the Tkatchev has spawned numerous variants in recent years, the last significant innovation based on the Jaeger was introduced by Chinese gymnast Li Ya in 2006. By breaking new ground in this area, Lee not only sets herself apart but also reignites interest in a skill set that has remained relatively unchanged for nearly two decades. Since her diagnosis with an incurable kidney disease last year, which resulted in severe swelling that hindered her ability to compete, Lee's journey back to elite gymnastics has been fraught with challenges. However, her recent training sessions, shared via social media, showcase her determination to return to form. Although she faced setbacks, such as missing the new skill during her bars routine at the Winter Cup in February, the Olympic stage presents a unique opportunity for Lee to prove her mettle. While the decision to attempt the full-twisting Jaeger at the Games remains uncertain, particularly with the pressure of competition and the risk involved, the potential to have the new skill named after her looms large. The Paris Olympics could be the culmination of Lee's hard work and resilience, offering a chance not only for personal triumph but also for a lasting legacy in the sport of gymnastics. As fans and experts alike eagerly await the competition, all eyes will be on Lee as she aims to etch her name into gymnastics history.