US Gymnast Jake Islam Likely To Represent Bangladesh

Jake Islam, a young USA-based gymnast is likely to switch playing for Bangladesh. He is a five-time Massachusetts state champion who has risen through ranks in a short span of time. 

Jake’s father, Ashequl Islam, has his roots in Bangladesh. His mother’s name is Melissa. He was born on September 23, 2005 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Presently, efforts are being made to acquire a Bangladeshi passport for Jake Islam, confirmed Bangladesh Gymnastics Federation official Wednesday.

“Jake is studying at Michigan University and plays for their main team. He is good at floor, vaulting and pommel horse. He can get a call from the national team for the next Olympics in the USA, like Syque Caesar,” federation’s general secretary Habibur Rahman told Dhaka Tribune.

This is not the first time that a Bangladeshi-origin American gymnast has chosen to switch to represent his country of origin. 

Earlier, Bangladeshi-origin American gymnast Syque Caesar represented Bangladesh at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

More about Jake Islam

Highlights 

• 5-time Massachusetts State Champion (2018-2023)
• 5-time USAG National Championships Qualifier (2018-2023)
• 4-time USAG Academic All-American (2019-2023)
• 4-time Regional Champion (2019-2023)
• 2-time USAG Region 6 Elite Team Cup Member (2022-2023)
• USAG Winter Cup Participant (2023)
• USA Championships Participant (2022)
• Honor Roll recipient, High Honor Roll recipient, and Academic All-American

Jake Islam as Freshman (2024)

• Made collegiate debut against Greenville/Simpson (Jan. 6), competing on floor exercise (13.20) and vault (13.6)
• Joined the pommel horse lineup on two occasions, marked by a 13.50 against Springfield/ASU (Feb. 17)
• Notched a career-high score of 14.25 on vault at Ohio State (March 9)

Also Read: Dipa Karmakar Makes History with First-Ever Asian Gymnastics Gold

Personal Information about Jake Islam

• Jake Ashequl Islam
• Suffield Academy (2023), Suffield, Conn.
• Born Sept. 23, 2005 in Springfield, Mass.
• Son of Melissa and Ashequl Islam
• Has sister, Morgan, and brother, Joseph
• Sport Management major in the School of Kinesiology