Sunny Choi’s Olympic Journey: Sacrifice, Determination, and Future Aspirations
Introduction
Sunny Choi, a former marketing executive, made headlines when she left her prestigious position at Estée Lauder to pursue a dream that seemed as audacious as it was inspiring: representing the United States in breaking at the Paris Olympics. Her journey, filled with sacrifices and challenges, culminated in a bittersweet conclusion as she departed from Paris without a medal. However, Choi’s story is far from over, as she continues to pivot her career towards her passion for dance. This article delves into the highs and lows of her Olympic journey, her sacrifices, and her future plans.
Breaking, a form of dance that originated in the hip-hop culture of the 1970s, made its Olympic debut in Paris. Choi’s commitment to this art form, despite the uncertainties and sacrifices involved, paints a compelling picture of tenacity and passion. As we explore her journey, we will look at her background, the hurdles she faced, and her aspirations beyond the Olympic stage.
The Leap from Corporate to Olympic Aspirations
From Marketing Executive to Olympic Hopeful
Sunny Choi’s decision to leave her role as the Director of Global Creative Operations for skin care at Estée Lauder was not made lightly. The cosmetics giant, known as the second-largest in the world, offered her financial stability and a comfortable lifestyle. Choi had spent her entire career building a life of security, yet she found herself willing to risk it all for a dream that was, by her admission, “really, really scary.”
“I literally worked my whole entire life to have that financial stability, and then to give it up for this dream that may or may not happen was really, really scary,” Choi shared at the USOPC media summit in April 2024. Her decision required a year of contemplation before she finally made the leap in early 2023, giving her employer a few months’ notice.
The Financial and Personal Sacrifices
Leaving a well-paying job meant more than just a career change; it involved a complete lifestyle shift. Choi was accustomed to a certain standard of living, shopping at high-end stores like Whole Foods and enjoying financial security. The decision to pursue breaking full-time meant embracing uncertainty and potential financial instability.
Moreover, Choi faced personal sacrifices. At 35, she was aware of the ticking biological clock and the desire to start a family. “As a breaker, I was just like, ‘I don’t see how this is going to be possible.’ And then there are other factors. Like I want to have kids at some point, and I’m 35 now. So, it’s like, ‘Am I willing to wait several more years?’” she pondered.
The Paris Olympics: Triumphs and Tribulations
The Road to Paris
Choi’s journey to the Paris Olympics was fraught with challenges. Despite her dedication and hard work, she found herself eliminated from quarterfinal contention even before her third battle. She did manage to secure a victory in the round-robin stage, defeating Portugal’s Vanessa 2-0, but it wasn’t enough to advance her to the knockout stage. Choi ranked third in her group, needing a top-two finish to progress.
Financial Strain and Sponsorship
The financial strain of training and competing at an elite level cannot be understated. Choi had saved money while working at Estée Lauder to support her Olympic ambitions, covering expenses like flights for competitions and training costs. She even trained at public community centers to save money. However, as her funds dwindled, she faced the harsh reality of financial instability.
Fortunately, around this time, Choi secured sponsorships with Nike and Samsung, which provided much-needed financial relief. These sponsorships allowed her to continue training and competing without the immediate worry of running out of funds.
Looking Ahead: Life After Paris
Pivoting to a New Career
With the Paris Olympics behind her, Choi has set her sights on a new goal: opening her own dance studio in Queens, New York. This venture represents not just a career shift but a continuation of her passion for breaking. Choi has no plans to return to the corporate world unless circumstances force her to. “If I do, it means something went wrong with the dancing career,” she remarked.
Leveraging Corporate Skills
Choi’s corporate background provides her with valuable skills that she plans to leverage in her new career. “I myself am just lucky that I did work in corporate, and I do have background knowledge in marketing, project management, and operations, so that will help me in the long run,” she noted. These skills will undoubtedly be an asset as she embarks on her entrepreneurial journey.
The Long-Term Vision
While the immediate future involves establishing her dance studio, Choi has a broader vision for her role in the breaking community. She hopes to teach and mentor the next generation of dancers, sharing the lessons and experiences she has gathered along her journey. “I do still plan to dance, but I really want to shift gears and give feedback and teach the next generation the things that I’ve learned along the journey,” she stated.
The Uncertain Future of Olympic Breaking
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
One of the uncertainties Choi faces is the future of breaking as an Olympic sport. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will not include breaking, leaving athletes like Choi in a state of limbo regarding their Olympic aspirations. This decision adds another layer of complexity to Choi’s career planning.
Hopes for 2032 Brisbane Games
Despite this setback, Choi remains hopeful that breaking will return to the Olympic stage at the 2032 Brisbane summer Games. She will be 43 by then, which adds another layer of challenge to her pursuit. However, her determination and passion suggest that she will continue to strive for excellence, regardless of the obstacles.
Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
Financial Realities of Athletic Pursuits
Choi’s journey underscores the financial realities that many athletes face. Unlike the consistent salary of a corporate job, making a living in sports often depends on one’s personal brand and visibility. Choi’s experience highlights the importance of sponsorships and financial planning in sustaining an athletic career.
The Importance of Passion and Perseverance
Above all, Choi’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Her willingness to leave a secure job, face financial uncertainty, and pursue a dream against the odds is inspiring. It serves as a reminder that following one’s passion often involves significant sacrifices but can also lead to profound personal fulfillment.
FAQs
What inspired Sunny Choi to leave her corporate job for breaking?
Choi was driven by her lifelong passion for breaking and the unique opportunity to represent the United States in the sport’s Olympic debut.
How did Choi manage her finances after leaving Estée Lauder?
Choi had saved money while working and later secured sponsorships with Nike and Samsung to support her Olympic ambitions.
What are Choi’s plans post-Olympics?
Choi plans to open a dance studio in Queens, New York, and focus on teaching and mentoring the next generation of dancers.
Will breaking be included in future Olympics?
Breaking will not be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but there is hope that it will return for the 2032 Brisbane Games.
How did Choi’s corporate experience benefit her in her new career?
Choi’s background in marketing, project management, and operations provides her with valuable skills that she plans to leverage in her dance studio venture.
Conclusion
Sunny Choi’s journey from a marketing executive to an Olympic hopeful is a compelling narrative of sacrifice, determination, and passion. While she leaves Paris without a medal, her story is far from over. With plans to open a dance studio and mentor the next generation, Choi continues to pursue her passion for breaking. Her experiences underscore the financial and personal challenges faced by athletes, as well as the importance of perseverance and adaptability. As the future of Olympic breaking remains uncertain, Choi’s journey serves as an inspiring example of following one’s dreams, no matter the obstacles.
