Tiana Sumanasekera, a Sri Lankan American gymnast, says representing Sri Lanka gives her the best chance to chase her Olympic dream.
Tiana Sumanasekera, the talented American gymnast of Sri Lankan origin, has officially decided to represent Sri Lanka in upcoming international competitions, marking a major turning point in her Olympic journey.
The news was reported a few days ago, drawing attention because Tiana had already reached the highest levels of American gymnastics and was named as an alternate for the United States team that represented the country at the 2024 Olympics.
Why would Tiana leave a country such as the United States, with world-class facilities, technology and training systems, to represent Sri Lanka in future international competitions? What shaped her path into gymnastics? These questions and many others were discussed when Tiana spoke to BBC Sinhala Service.
Who Is Tiana Sumanasekera?
Tiana Sumanasekera was born on September 15, 2007, in the United States to parents Rajitha and Ruwangi Sumanasekera.
Currently studying in the United States, Tiana has already represented the U.S. national team in five gymnastics competitions.
Speaking to BBC Sinhala, she said her energetic personality as a child often left her parents struggling to keep up with her.
“To be honest, I was a very mischievous, outgoing, and active child when I was little. So my parents couldn’t imagine what I would do with my playful, active nature and the energy I had,” Tiana told BBC Sinhala.
How Gymnastics Found Her
Asked how she first entered gymnastics, Tiana recalled the decisive moment that changed her life.
“One day when I was about 6 years old, I went to a birthday party at a clubhouse near our place. There were several trampolines at the party venue. For birthday parties of little kids around 6, it’s very popular to have those jumping trampolines.
I was a little kid too, so as soon as I saw it, I started jumping on the trampoline. Then I started doing flips on it. I don’t exactly remember what kind of things I did that day, but I remember I did a lot of crazy things.
An instructor who was there saw me and came over and asked, ‘How long have you been doing gymnastics?’ I just looked straight at his face and asked, ‘What is gymnastics?’ Because until then, I didn’t know such a thing existed. Then he told me to call my mother, saying he wanted to talk to her. So I brought my mother. He told her, ‘Put your daughter in a gymnastics class as soon as possible. She has amazing ability. She has great strength in her body and she really loves this. So definitely put her in a class.'”
But Tiana said her mother did not immediately take the suggestion seriously. She thought it was only a casual remark. For nearly two months, Tiana was not enrolled in any sport. But after that trampoline experience, her desire to move, jump and play at home became even stronger.
That energy quickly became difficult to control. Tiana said she began jumping inside the house, even though it was not safe. She started breaking things around the home. Eventually, her mother realised it was time to place her in a class. When she heard the news, Tiana screamed with joy, jumped up and shouted, “Yes, yes, thank you, Mom!”
That was how she attended her first gymnastics class. From that day onward, she never stopped. Tiana said the day she began her gymnastics journey was the best day of her life.
Driven by the Podium
Tiana said that even from a young age, she had a strong desire to win and trained with deep commitment to reach that goal.
“From the first day, gymnastics was something I did with great passion and curiosity. I went to my first competition just a month or two after I started practicing gymnastics. Anyone might think, ‘Wow, getting 6th place in the first competition is great, you should be proud.’ But I didn’t think that way. I wanted to go further. I thought, ‘No, I need to come in a better position.’
So I went back to practice with the strong determination to somehow get on the winning podium and take the top spot. And from my very next competition, I was able to take first place. When I got that kind of result for my hard work and dedication, I felt an indescribable joy.
And I carried that energy forward. Because of that interest and the joy it gave me, I was determined from that day to go forward in this field.”
A Moment She Never Imagined
Responding to a question from BBC Sinhala, Tiana said she did not begin gymnastics with a detailed plan. Instead, she simply followed her passion and felt happiness as she gradually climbed through the levels.
“Yes, it really was a wonderful feeling. When I first started gymnastics, I had no plan or goal in mind that I would get to this point. I did it solely because of my passion and interest.
I progressed through levels very quickly. But that wasn’t something I planned; it happened naturally. By the time I reached the elite level and became a senior elite, I knew I would have to compete against the most talented, experienced, and biggest names in the sport. It was an amazing moment when I thought, ‘Wow… somehow I made it here, didn’t I?’
Because when I went to watch the US Olympic trials in 2016, I was about 8 years old. I was amazed watching them, and I couldn’t believe I was witnessing such a thing.
But I never dreamed that eight years later, I would also be there, competing alongside all of them. It was a moment I couldn’t have imagined even in my wildest dreams, a very surprising moment. But it was my continuous effort, dedication, and the support of my family and friends that gave me such valuable opportunities. I am very happy with where I am today.”
Why She Chose Sri Lanka
BBC Sinhala asked Tiana why she decided to represent Sri Lanka in upcoming international competitions after representing a country such as the United States, where sports facilities are highly advanced.
“Yes, actually, I have been with the U.S. team for more than five years. Because I am a Sri Lankan American, I was always very proud to represent that team. I deeply love both sides of my identity. Even though I was born and raised in America, my mother and father are from Sri Lanka. Both sides are very special to me and very valuable to my life.
But I had to make this decision thinking about, ‘What is the best opportunity for me to get to the Olympic stage?’ There are so many talented gymnasts on the U.S. team, and with that level of competition, it’s not easy to be selected among the five Olympic gymnasts. Joining the U.S. team is very difficult. In 2024, I was so close but I missed it. So I thought I needed to make a decision that would help me get to the Olympics somehow. Also, the 2028 Olympics will be in Los Angeles, and I definitely didn’t want to miss that opportunity.
Even though I thought about different things inside my head, in the end, we have to do what feels right in our hearts. Going to the Olympics has been my biggest dream since I was a child. So I wanted to put all my energy into making that dream come true. Representing Sri Lanka and coming to the competition was the best decision I could make. I am really looking forward to it.
As you said earlier, the knowledge and interest in gymnastics in Sri Lanka and the South Asian region is very low. It’s not very advanced globally. But in America, South America, and Europe, gymnastics is quite popular. Since this sport is special, I thought we should give it a prominent place in our region too. Because South Asia is a region with beautiful dances, cultures, and valuable heritage.
So I wanted to show this identity to the world. Because I grew up recognizing our South Asian customs and culture from a young age. The younger generation in our countries also love dance and flipping. I also did those things when I was little to get where I am today. So when they see me, or someone like me from South Asia, they would have someone to look up to, and they too would be inspired to take up this sport.
I can connect our people to gymnastics, which is not so popular in South Asia, and show them how beautiful this sport is, how it brings people together, and how they can showcase their heritage to the world through movement. That is truly something very special. I value it greatly, and I am very proud to represent Sri Lanka and South Asia and show my culture to the world.”
Her Message to Young Girls
BBC Sinhala also asked Tiana what message she would give to young girls who may be inspired by her journey.
“Never be afraid to show the world who you are. Always remember that there is only one person like you in this world. There are so many things in life to be happy and proud about. So put those things out there without fear. Enjoy life, experience everything to the fullest. Whether it’s gymnastics, dance, or any other sport, swimming, or anything, be proud of your heritage and what you represent.
Also remember that there is a large group of people who love you and are there to support you. Being able to be yourself is a great blessing. Never be afraid to chase your dreams, and enjoy every moment that comes with enthusiasm. In short, do everything with joy. Always take good things from the people around you as examples. Show your culture to the world with a proud heart. Live life happily, because there is so much to experience in life. So enjoy every second you get to the fullest.”
