A bronze bust of Olympic gymnast Suni Lee at Phalen Regional Park in St. Paul has been stolen, along with a large rock bearing her name that stood near the bust, St. Paul police said Thursday.
The sculpture and the rock were taken in the last 24 hours, police said in a social media post.
The bust, which depicts Lee with a medal around her neck, was unveiled exactly two years ago to honor the St. Paul native, much to her surprise. The bust cost $33,000 and was paid for with public funds and private donations.
In a statement to Fox 9, Lee’s family said they were saddened by news of the sculpture’s theft. “This senseless act of vandalism is not only heartbreaking but also a disgraceful crime,” according to the statement. “Destroying public property — especially one that holds such symbolic and historical significance — is truly deplorable.”
Lee is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the first Hmong-American Olympian. Her accomplishments have propelled her to international stardom, including Time magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people. She was named Female Athlete of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 2021.
The bust was created by local artist Seexeng Lee, who said he was inspired by Lee’s impact as a Hmong woman and wanted the sculpture to promote the Hmong community.
Anyone with information on the bust’s whereabouts was asked to contact police by emailing SPPD-EastInvestigations@StPaul.gov.
