The UCLA Gymnastics team kicked off their season in style by recording victories against Washington, California, and Oregon State to finish in first place at the Best of the West Quad at Alaska Airlines Arena on the University of Washington campus on January 3rd. Many stars featured, including Olympian Jordan Chiles, who placed first on all four events and won the all-around with a score of 39.725.
Yet, what truly elevated the evening was the electrifying debut of freshman Tiana Sumanasekera, who captivated the crowd with her remarkable routines.
UCLA Gymnastics’ Tiana Sumanasekera’s Impressive Debut Performance
Sumanasekera is hailed as one of the brightest rising stars in U.S. gymnastics. Her breakout moment came at the 2023 Pan American Championships, where she dazzled with gold medals in the all-around, balance beam, and team events, plus a silver on floor.
After moving up to the senior level in 2023, she consistently landed in the top 10 at the U.S. Championships, earning her a spot as a non-traveling alternate for the Paris Games at just 16 years old.
A video posted on X caught the raw emotion on Sumanasekera’s face after she nailed a challenging routine, highlighted by a back handspring-layout step-out connection in her NCAA debut. Her passion was unmistakable as she secured second place on balance beam with a 9.950 and on floor exercise with a 9.850, playing a key role in the Bruins’ triumphant night.
UCLA also soared to the top team scores on vault (49.150), balance beam (49.525), and floor exercise (49.075), leaving no doubt about their dominance and cementing their status as a must-watch team this season.
Sumanasekera Expressed Feelings on Missing Out on Paris Games
Hailing from Fremont, California, Sumanasekera first discovered gymnastics at a birthday party in 2013. Now, as the first gymnast of Sri Lankan descent to represent the U.S. on the international stage, her journey stands as a testament to how far passion and perseverance can take you.
According to Olympics.com, Sumanasekera stated that she was disappointed after failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics, citing the need for a reset following the trials.
“I took a break after Trials. I feel like that really helped me mentally. I had to refocus and set some new goals, and I really feel like I’ve been able to come back stronger this year.” she said.
Despite missing out, she said that she visited Paris with her family to watch the Olympics in person:
“[It] was a really cool experience. Even though I wasn’t competing, just being there and seeing all the athletes and the environment made me even more motivated,” explained the 18-year-old. “I was like, ‘I want to be here next time – but as an athlete.’”
As Sumanasekera embarks on her freshman season with the UCLA Bruins, she is sure to keep her sights set on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, eager to add another chapter to her already impressive story.
