UCLA freshman gymnast Tiana Sumanasekera has been named the Substantial Ten Co-Freshman of the Week, sharing the honor with Minnesota’s Arianna Ostrum. This marks the fourth time this season Sumanasekera has received the award, setting a new standard for Big Ten freshman performance in 2026. Her consistent excellence has been a key factor in UCLA’s success, and she continues to elevate her game with each competition.
Sumanasekera’s latest accolade comes after a standout performance on the road against No. 10 Stanford on March 8, 2026. No. 5 UCLA defeated Stanford 197.775-197.425 in front of a record-setting crowd of 7,024 spectators, marking the second-highest team score of the season for the Bruins and their highest score achieved away from home. The freshman’s contributions were pivotal in securing the victory.
The UCLA gymnast tied for first place on the balance beam, achieving a career-high-tying score of 9.950. Notably, she received a perfect 10 from one of the two judges on that event. She also tied for first on floor exercise with a score of 9.925, matching her previous career best. This was Sumanasekera’s first career win on the balance beam and her second on floor exercise, demonstrating her versatility and growing confidence.
Sumanasekera now ranks tied for second on the UCLA team with 12 scores of 9.9 or higher, showcasing her ability to consistently deliver high-level performances. Her impact extends beyond individual scores, contributing significantly to the team’s overall success and momentum as they navigate the remainder of the season.
The freshman’s success builds on a strong foundation of prior accomplishments. According to her UCLA profile, Sumanasekera is a five-time U.S. National Team member and was an alternate for the U.S. Team at the 2024 Olympics. She also won team gold at the 2025 Pan American Championships and earned a bronze medal on floor exercise at the 2024 U.S. Championships. UCLA Athletics provides further details on her background and achievements.
The Big Ten has recognized several outstanding gymnasts this season. Jordan Chiles of UCLA dominated the Gymnast of the Week awards for the first nine weeks of the season, earning the title consecutively from January 6th through March 3rd, sharing the honor with Arianna Ostrum on March 3rd. Nikki Smith of Michigan State was named Big Ten Gymnast of the Week on March 10th. Ciena Alipio of UCLA has also been repeatedly recognized as Big Ten Event Specialist of the Week.
Looking ahead, UCLA will continue to rely on Sumanasekera’s consistent performance as they pursue their championship goals. The team’s next competition is yet to be announced, but fans can expect Sumanasekera to continue pushing the boundaries of her potential and contributing to UCLA’s success. Her dedication and talent are poised to build a lasting impact on the collegiate gymnastics landscape.
What do you think about Tiana Sumanasekera’s impressive start to her collegiate career? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
