TOKYO — With a thrilling gold-medal performance in the women’s all-around gymnastics competition here Thursday, Sunisa Lee has become one of the biggest stars in the world coming out of these Olympics.
In the past, the 18-year-old from St. Paul, Minnesota, would have had to make a decision.
Turn pro and cash in on the many endorsement, sponsorship, speaking and business opportunities? Or turn down the money and compete in college gymnastics, in Lee’s case, at Auburn University?
Not any longer, due to the NCAA’s new rule that allows athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness.