Suni Lee Swaps Olympics for Runway; Historic Victoria’s Secret Debut with Angel Reese

Suni Lee Swaps Olympics for Runway; Historic Victoria's Secret Debut with Angel Reese

From Olympic Gold to Angel Wings: Suni Lee Just Redefined ‘Strong’ at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Olympic champion Suni Lee just did something nobody saw coming. On October 15, the gymnast traded her leotard for angel wings, making a stunning debut on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway in New York City. It wasn’t just a walk; it was a statement.

Key Takeaways
  • Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee walked for the VS PINK line at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 15.
  • She joined WNBA star Angel Reese as one of the first professional athletes to walk the iconic runway.
  • Lee’s goal was to send a powerful message that young girls don’t have to fit into ‘just one box’ and can be both athletic and feminine.
  • The show, held in Brooklyn, emphasized inclusivity, also featuring pregnant model Jasmine Tookes and plus-size models like Ashley Graham.

From the Balance Beam to the Catwalk

Yeah, you read that right. The athlete known for her incredible poise on the balance beam brought that same confidence to the high-fashion catwalk. Lee strutted out in a look that perfectly blended her two worlds: a ‘sporty meets glam’ outfit for the VS PINK line.

She wore a pink sports bra with “PINK” splashed across it in silver letters, black short shorts, and a pink zip-up hoodie. And the best part? The hoodie had miniature angel wings stitched right onto the back. It was a perfect nod to the iconic brand, but completely on her own terms.

She admitted it felt like “a dream outside of my comfort zone,” but she wanted to “show up here exactly as I am.” And she absolutely did.

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A Powerful Message of Empowerment

But this was about more than just fashion. For Suni, this was a chance to send a message. She said she wants “young girls to know they don’t have to fit into just one box.” You can chase Olympic gold and still own your femininity. What a message.

Look, seeing a world-class athlete like Suni Lee, alongside WNBA powerhouse Angel Reese, on a Victoria’s Secret runway is huge. It completely shatters old stereotypes about what strength and beauty look like. It’s about showing that power comes in all forms.

Social Media Storm

The announcement, which dropped on Instagram just hours before the show, sent fans into a frenzy. Social media exploded with support, celebrating Lee for breaking boundaries and representing athletes in a space they’ve rarely occupied. Her appearance quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.

Victoria’s Secret’s New Era

This all fits into the bigger picture of Victoria’s Secret’s major reinvention. After canceling its famous show in 2019, the brand is back with a totally new focus. This isn’t the show you remember. The 2025 event was all about celebrating diversity and empowerment.

The lineup was incredible. Pregnant model Jasmine Tookes opened the show, and celebrated plus-size models like Ashley Graham also walked. Add in show-stopping performances from K-pop group TWICE, Missy Elliott, Karol G, and Madison Beer, and you’ve got an event that felt more like a cultural celebration than a simple runway show.

Suni Lee wasn’t just a model in a show. She was a symbol of this new direction. So, what do you think? Is this the future of fashion? Let us know your thoughts below!