Tiana Sumanasekera’s journey from gymnastics enthusiast to elite athlete at the World Champions Centre alongside Simone Biles showcases dedication and perseverance. At 16, her impressive growth under the guidance of Cecile and Laurent Landi reflects her ambition to compete at the Olympics. With a profound love for the sport and a drive for excellence, Sumanasekera’s trajectory promises continued success in the world of gymnastics.
As an eight-year-old, Tiana Sumanasekera was just like any other young gymnastics enthusiast, captivated by the awe-inspiring performances of her idols on television screens. Fast forward nearly eight years later, and the trajectory of her life has taken an extraordinary turn. No longer just a spectator, she now trains side by side with one of her childhood heroes, none other than the legendary Simone Biles, at the World Champions Centre (WCC) in Spring, Texas.
Reflecting on her journey, now at the age of 16, Sumanasekera finds herself in a surreal yet immensely gratifying position. “Sometimes it doesn’t even hit me, but when it does, it’s just like, ‘Wow. I’ve really come this far,'” she expressed during a recent U.S. training camp. Her passion for the sport, which ignited in her younger years, has propelled her to unimaginable heights.
Originally from Northern California, Sumanasekera embarked on her elite gymnastics career at West Valley Gymnastics, where she showcased her talent by finishing ninth all-around as a junior at the 2022 U.S. championships. However, it was her decision to make a pivotal move to Texas and join WCC that set her on a trajectory of remarkable growth and success.
“I knew I wanted to improve my bars if I wanted to be competitive in the senior elite field,” Sumanasekera explains, highlighting her motivation for the transition. Inspired by the coaching prowess of Cecile and Laurent Landi, who played instrumental roles in Simone Biles’ journey, Sumanasekera seized the opportunity to be a part of their coaching team and the supportive environment at WCC.
Under the guidance of the Landis, Sumanasekera witnessed significant improvements in her performance, particularly in the challenging discipline of uneven bars. A testament to her dedication and hard work, she soared to new heights, achieving a score of 12.800 at the 2023 U.S. nationals, a marked improvement from her previous performances.
Her achievements did not go unnoticed, earning her a well-deserved spot on the U.S. squad for the Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile, where she contributed to the team’s gold medal victory. Reflecting on her accomplishments, Sumanasekera expresses immense pride in her journey as a senior elite gymnast.
Looking ahead, Sumanasekera harbors ambitious dreams of representing her country on the grandest stage of all – the Olympics. Despite opting out of recent competitions, she remains focused on refining her skills and unveiling her new routines, including a floor routine that reflects her Sri Lankan heritage and personal identity.
As she approaches the age of 16, with the U.S. Olympic trials looming on the horizon, Sumanasekera remains undaunted, drawing inspiration from the enduring careers of her peers, such as Jordan Chiles and Simone Biles. With her sights set on the 2028 Olympics, she approaches her journey with a sense of determination, resilience, and above all, a profound love for the sport.
For Tiana Sumanasekera, the transition from a wide-eyed fan to a formidable competitor embodies the essence of perseverance, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. As she continues to carve her path in the world of gymnastics, one thing remains certain – her journey is far from over, and the best is yet to come.
