Sumanasekera grew up in California, USA, and trained alongside Olympic champions Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles at the US Elite Training Centre for five years, but earlier in 2026 she made the decision to switch her sporting allegiance.

The 18-year-old's parents hail from Sri Lanka and her family heritage is hugely important to her.

“From when I was a little girl, I've always wanted to compete at the Olympics," Sumanasekera said.

"I thought the best decision was to represent my parents' home country.

“I'm so proud and honoured to be here at a Commonwealth Games. I've received the most love and support I could ask for, and I'm just very grateful.

“My parents are always supportive of me, whatever decision I make in life. They're so happy, of course, and it's my great honour to represent their country and Sri Lanka as a whole.

“Just knowing that I'm so proud of my heritage means the world to me, and it means the world to be out on the floor representing them.”

Key moment

After taking up the sport in 2013 aged six, being named as an alternate for Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was a key moment in the career of the university student.

“That really shifted my perspective on my capabilities,” Sumanasekera said.

“To be able to inspire younger athletes like me is a dream come true because I know when I was young I would have loved that as well.

“Being a source of inspiration is all I can ask for. It's something that I hold very close to my heart, and I hope to continue to do so.”

A recent shoulder injury restricted Sumanasekera’s activity to the Balance Beam at Glasgow International Arena but she is excited about what the future holds.

“You live and you learn and you move on, so I'm excited for what's to come next,” she said.

“It was absolutely amazing being out here representing Sri Lanka on one of the biggest stages in the world. I was so grateful to compete.

“At the Commonwealth Games there's just a very different energy in terms of the people and everyone coming together.

“That's something that was so special right from the get-go. The Opening Ceremony was magical. It was so, so beautiful.

“It was my first Opening Ceremony ever, so I will always remember that. It's something I've tattooed in my brain because it was just so incredible. I've met such incredible people, and it's an experience that I will remember forever.” 

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