John Lee, father to Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee received a new wheelchair last week from Simone Biles, a decorated gymnast and his daughters' teammate.
John needed a wheelchair because he fell from a ladder in 2019 while helping a neighbor trim a tree. According to NBC News, the accident left John paralysed from the chest down with a spinal injury.
Suni was due to compete in the U.S. Championships two days prior to the accident. Suni thought about skipping the event but her father insisted that she continue fighting.
I was in surgery so she almost refused to go. She and her coach came to my room and I woken up. John said that he had heard the same thing.
Suni, who was a gymnast's biggest prize, would win the individual all-around at the Tokyo Olympics two years later. This was our dream for a long time. Suni said that she wished her father was there after her win. Both of us worked hard for this.
John who is in a manual wheelchair has more independence. Lucky, his Sunis brother, needs to assist him. Biles gift, which will be customized-fitted, will allow him to move more independently.
Biles, 24 years old, presented her gift to John via Today with a video message. Natalie Morales delivered them Wednesday.
It's Simone, Hi Mr. Lee. Biles stated in the video that I love Suni and know how much she loves me. Because you have done so much to her, I reached out to my Today friends to ask if we could do anything special for you. Hope you like it.
John was led to his driveway by his family, who held signs reading, We love You! and Thank You! Quantum Rehab representatives stood beside a brand-new wheelchair.
Oh my god. John exclaimed, "Oh my god, that's amazing!" This is incredible. We are so grateful to you guys.
John and Biles have had meaningful conversations before. After Sunis' victory, he said that Simone was the GOAT for letting my baby girl bring me a medal of gold.
Today's Featured Image
Continue the story
This content is yours? NextShark has more!
Naomi Osaka Retires from the French Open after being Fined $15K for not Talking to Media
Yuka Saso is the First Filipino to win the US Women's Open and Second to win the LPGA Tour Title
Taiwan wins first-ever gold medal in badminton after defeating China's mens doubles
At the Tokyo Games, Zou Jingyuan, a Chinese gymnast, receives the highest score in parallel bars
