Tiana Sumanasekera switches allegiance, will compete for Sri Lanka
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 9:30 AM
Last updated Jun 22, 2026
Tiana Sumanasekera, a former U.S. Olympic alternate in gymnastics, announced she will represent Sri Lanka in international competition. The 18-year-old made her decision public through the International Gymnastics Federation, seeking to honor her heritage and pursue her Olympic dream for Los Angeles 2028. Sumanasekera has been a prominent figure in U.S. gymnastics, earning several titles and accolades. With Sri Lanka's gymnastics representation growing, Sumanasekera aims to inspire growth in the sport in her ancestral country. Her debut for Sri Lanka is expected at the Commonwealth Games in July.
- •Sumanasekera previously represented the U.S. at the Olympic Trials
- •She has multiple Pan American titles to her name
- •Plans to compete for Sri Lanka starting at the Commonwealth Games in July
- •Aims to promote gymnastics in Sri Lanka and South Asia
- •Her decision reflects a trend of U.S. gymnasts switching nationalities
- 9:30 AMYahoo Sports — Former U.S. Olympic Alternate Tiana Sumanasekera To Represent Sri Lanka
"Former U.S. Olympic alternate Tiana Sumanasekera will represent Sri Lanka in international gymnastics competition, honoring her heritage while pursuing her LA 2028 Olympic dream.
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