Although Lee was a key figure on the outstanding Serra water polo teams for three seasons, he was truly dominating as a swimmer. Teaming with his brother, Guy, Ray Looze, and Jerry Hostmeyer, Lee was part of one of the most outstanding swim teams in the school's history, one that dominated the Peninsula Athletic League during the mid-1980s. Lee's role on those teams was pivotal. He set a school record in the 100-meter breaststroke in 1985 and was part of the record-setting 200-meter medley relay team. In 1985 that medley team captured the CCS championship. He also set a PAL record in the 100-meter breaststroke back in his time at Serra. This record has been broken but stood for years.

After Serra, lee continued his career at UC Berkeley where he continued to excel. While at Cal, Lee competed in the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke races at the NCAA finals, but greater things were on the horizon for Lee as he earned spots on the Philippine Olympic team in 1988 in Seoul and in 1992 at Barcelona swimming his specialties; the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke. In addition to his stints in the Olympics, Lee also represented the Philippines several times in the All-Asian games.