Sports

Asian American Stars Dominating Collegiate Gymnastics
By James Moreau | 21 Feb, 2026

From national titles to Olympic-level artistry, these three Asian American standouts are at the top of the national rankings this year.

Across the competitive landscape of NCAA women’s gymnastics three Asian American standouts seamlessly deliver elite precision.

Defending NCAA Vault Champion Kailin Chio is a masterclass in technical fluidity.  Through five weeks of the 2026 season the LSU sophomore has averaged a score of 39.520, earning her a national ranking of #2.  Chio’s Freshman campaign was an emphatic success.  She earned a her first perfect ten on vault at the collegiate level in March 2025, before being named SEC Freshman of the Year, and an All-American.  Chio secured an outright national championship on the vault after scoring a 9.975.  She’ll be chasing the gold again with the #3 ranked Tigers.

Illinois sophomore Chloe Cho’s explosive tumbling and expressive artistry have earned her a top 10 national ranking with an average score of 39.405 in the 2026 season.  As a freshman she earned a share of the B1G Four title after tying her career high on vault, posting a 9.9.  Cho’s debut campaign wrapped with First-Team All-Big Ten, Big Ten All-Freshman Team, and B1G Ten Freshman of the Year honors.

Sri Lankan American Tiana Sumanasekera has climbed her way to the #14 national ranking and has UCLA ranked at #4. The freshman Bruin has a scoring average of 39.375 through the 2026 season.  Sumanasekera is a five-time U.S. National Team member and was listed as an alternate at the 2024 Olympics.  In 2025 and 2023 she won team gold at the Pan American Championships.  Her 2023 performance also claimed individual gold medals for All-around and Balance beam.