84th John Tarbet Atheltic Championships concluded last week with nine new records blooming in the field of school athletics.The most significant record breaking performance was staged by the Gateway College sprinter Asiri Wijesekara, when he qualified for the IAAF World Youth Championships in 2015 breaking a record in the U-16 200m dash clocking 22.02 (the existing Bolt record is 19.19).
This dashing youngster shared his story of success with the ThePapare.com.
How did you start your athletic carrier?
Well athletics was not my favorite during my younger days. Yet, it was a habit of me to practice with my brother Thilina Wijesekara who is also an athlete. When I first started my practices I did it without any motive as such. Then with the time passing by my parents paved the way to commence my practices with Mr. Sunil Gunawardhana who was also my brother`s mentor. That was when I kept foot on the track with a real objective.
How was the support you got from your family?
My family has always been behind me, motivating and lending their helping hand in every way they could. My mother prepares all the meals according to a plan also my father motivated me so much as he drops me and picks me up from practices as well. The support from the family is exceptional.
Share with us some of the emotions of representing the Gateway College Athletic Team?
It was one of my biggest dreams to represent the Gateway College athletic team since the day I started practicing with a motive. Consider it as a huge honour and a privilege to set foot on the track wearing the college crest and bring glory to my Alma-mater. I am indeed happy to be a part of the great athletic family which was nourished by Shehan Ambepitiya and Keith de Mel.
Tell us about the record that you established during the recently concluded Sir John Tarbet Meet and the event you qualified for?
The previous record holder in the U 16 200m was Daham Madawa and he established the record in 2006 with timing of 22.65. Many people possessed the idea that it would never be equalized and it will be hard to break it. I am Christian. I believe in God. I prayed for myself and set foot with the idea that I will break it and qualify for the IAAF world youth championships. When I finished the event the figures on the clock was 22.25. I proved, if there is a will then there is a way. With the record breaking timing I qualified myself for the World Youth Championships 2015 to be held in Colombia.
It is your first international experience so how are you preparing yourself ahead of it?
Well I am touring to Colombia next June, so I still have ample of time on my hands to bring glory to my motherland. There is no such exact plan as yet. When the off season starts in a couple of weeks I will begin training focused on the tour. With my age there is not much technical schedules given to me during practices so with the advice of my coach Mr. Sunil Gunawardhana we will start training as soon as the off season begins.
What is your most memorable achievement in your athletic career?
My first target was to represent the Gateway College athletic team and then the national level. Getting selected for the IAAF championships will be most memorable achievement. There might be more in the future but this will stand out from the rest always as I consider it a huge privilege behind the footsteps of modern day greats like Shehan Ambepitiya and Keith de Mel.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
The first name that will strike my mind is my brother Thilina Wijesekara. I could in-fact say that I idolize my brother almost all the time. As to the reason I would say, he was the person who bought me into the sport and it was his motivation that led me to who I am today. With all the support that he has rendered I don`t think there should be anyone else that I should idolize.
On the International arena, there are many players but I would like to mention the name of Usain Bolt.
I like his running style and the way he faces himself for challenges in the track.
How do you balance studies and athletics?
Since I spend most of the time with my athletic practices it is a bit hard to balance both. But the support that I get from my family and my classmates is exceptional. With that support so far I have done a good job in balancing both athletics and studies.
How do you prepare yourself before an athletic meet?
I try to be relaxed and calm as possible before the meet. I pray before the meet and get blessings from god in order to conclude the meet in a successful manner. There is nothing as special that I do before a meet day. I try to be normal as possible.
What are your future plans?
I have many more years to be a part of the athletic team of Gateway College so I want give my best on that bring glory to my alma-mater in each and every possible way I can. After that as with the upcoming tour ahead, I would like to give my best on the track and bring glory to my mother land Sri Lanka. My next two goals will be to participate in Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games.
Finally, any words of gratitude?
Firstly I would like to thank my parents whose support is exceptional in my career.
Then I would like to thank my first coach Mr. Dilan and Dr.Alles of Gateway College, all my teachers at Gateway College for the support that they have been rendering. To all the teachers and the staff at the Sports Department of Gateway College. To my coach Mr.Sunil Gunawardhana and Badra Gunawardhana for teaching me the passion of athletics. Finally I would like to apologies if I have missed anyone`s name and make this an opportunity to thank all the People and the present and past students of Gateway College who have helped me and my team even just from one word.
ThePapare.com was delighted to have caught up with this dashing young sprinter and wish him well!
