At just six years old, Tiana Sumanasekera‘s life took an unexpected turn and her journey into gymnastics began with a simple, unpredictable moment. During her friend’s birthday party, she was fascinated by a bunch of gymnasts flipping and showing off their tricks. She couldn’t stop her inner curiosity and she tried a few moves herself.

A coach, who was also present, immediately noticed her innate gift and said it promotes the sport highly. She must have never thought a birthday party would take her to her dreams. Fast forward to 2024: She made headlines after claiming a non-traveling alternate position for the 2024 U.S. Olympic gymnastics team. Like every other parent, Tiana’s parents are her biggest support in her journey; let’s dive into Tiana Sumanasekera’s family details.

Who are Tiana Sumanasekera’s parents?

Tiana Sumanasekera was born on September 15, 2007, to a Sri Lankan couple, Rajitha and Ruwangi Sumanasekera. Her parents, originally from Sri Lanka, have instilled strong values of discipline and perseverance in her. Though there is no public information about her mother, Ruwangi, Tiana often says that her parents are her biggest support system. Being her mother, Ruwangi has always had her back. However, Tiana’s father has a master’s degree in computer science. Her father, Rajitha, is currently working as a principal engineer and test architect at Cisco Systems. 

Despite the demanding nature of elite gymnastics, Tiana Sumanasekera’s parents’ have stood by her at every step. They ensure she has the resources and motivation needed to excel in her career. Tiana once expressed, “My parents are the most supportive parents I could ask for.” She also added, “They have and always will be my number-one supporters.” Tiana’s words show that her parents’ unwavering support has been the backbone of her journey. But what about her family beyond her parents?

Does Tiana Sumanasekera have siblings?

Tiana Sumanasekera has a brother named Kavi, who is a business marketer. Though there is not much information available about Tiana’s brother, they both share a great bond. He must be very proud of his sister, as she is the only gymnast of Sri Lankan origin, showing her talent on the American stage. Beyond her family, Tiana is always grateful for her friends as well. In an interview with “Forbes,” she mentions, “It takes a village, emphasizing the importance of friends, family, and her brother.

Hard work is indeed important; however, enough support is also needed for talent to come out. Otherwise, a person’s potential can remain untapped. Nevertheless, that is not so for young Tiana. She has all the support from her parents, brother, and friends—her number-one support. However, before she adopted the California way of life and American soil, where was she from?

Where Was Tiana Sumanasekera Born?

The 17-year-old Tiana Sumanasekera was born in Fremont, California, United States. With a Sri Lankan heritage, she holds a unique place in gymnastics. Tiana is believed to be the first gymnast of Sri Lankan origin to represent America. That’s not all; she has shown her resilience and dedication and reached new heights. In 2023, she solidified her elite status with consecutive titles—Pan-American level in the all-around and balance beam. What’s next?

The 17-year-old will compete for the UCLA Bruins gymnastics team in the 2026 NCAA gymnastics tournament. She is not going to stop here and will continue to make her family proud. From a chance encounter at a birthday party to competing on the world stage, Sumanasekera’s journey continues to inspire young gymnasts worldwide.