COLUMBUS, OH / ACCESS Newswire / May 1, 2026 / Aliana "Ali" Coles, a standout Level 9 gymnast at Buckeye Gymnastics, is proving she is one of the nation's most elite young athletes. Following a dominant post-season run in the nation's most competitive region, Coles has officially qualified for the 2026 Level 9 Eastern National Championships, to be held at the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia, from April 30 to May 3, 2026.

At the 2026 Ohio State Championships, Coles captured the Vault title and secured a prestigious 2nd-place finish in the All-Around. She carried that momentum into the Region 5 Championships-widely considered the most difficult region in the country-where she bested top talent to be crowned the Regional Champion on both Vault and Uneven Bars.

Known as "Ali," the Ohio native began her journey at age five. Her rapid ascent is supported by an Olympic-caliber coaching staff at Buckeye Gymnastics:

• Kittia Carpenter: USA Gymnastics "Master of Sport" and coach of Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas.

• Igors Vihrovs: The 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist (Floor) and 2001 World Bronze Medalist.

• Charlie Tamayo: The first Cuban male gymnast to win a World Championship medal and a three-time Pan American Champion.

Ali's dual heritage-with her father from Ohio and her mother from Trinidad-gives her a unique global perspective. While she is a proud Ohioan with aspirations to try out for Team USA, she is also exploring the opportunity to represent Trinidad and Tobago internationally.

"I've always dreamed of the international stage," says Coles. "I don't just want to be on the Olympic stage-I want to win a medal. Whether representing the U.S. or my mother's home country, I want to bring the training and support I have here in Ohio to the world's biggest podiums."

Despite her rigorous training schedule, Ali remains a dedicated Honor Roll student. Outside the gym, she is a passionate animal lover who dreams of owning a pet snake one day.

As Ali prepares for Savannah, her focus remains on the precision and power that have made her a multi-event champion. With world-class coaching and global options, her future in gymnastics knows no borders.

Follow Ali's Journey

Stay connected with Ali as she trains, competes, and chases her Olympic dream:

• Instagram: @alicolesgymnast

• TikTok: @ali_coles

• YouTube: @alicoles_gymnast

• Facebook: @alicolesgymnast

• All links: linktr.ee/alicoles

Media Contact

Monica Lalla
+1 614 321 2430
info@1stcfs.org

SOURCE: Ali Coles