The premier Sri Lankan Swimming Championship; the Senior and Junior Nationals that was worked off at the Sugathadasa Indoor Swimming Pool Complex last weekend saw the emergence of new champions and title contenders for the national crown.
It was Sirimavo Bandaranaike Balika Vidyalaya and Killer Whale Aquatics who emerged victorious in the Senior Women’s and Men’s category respectively.
Killer Whale Aquatics and Sirimavo clinch Senior Swimming Nationals
Read about Killer Whale Aquatics & Sirimavo’s National victory
Four days of intense action witnessed the best of the Sri Lankan swimming arena coming out on top to take the silver while for most others, it was a proving grounds for greatness.
We take a look at few of the top performers at the Senior and Junior Nationals and their run up to the national competition.
01. Ramudi Samarakoon
The 14-year-old sensation from Visakha Vidyalaya continued to mark her dominance in the swimming arena winning gold in all four events swum in the Junior Nationals. The South Asian Aquatic Championship gold medallist, Ramudi was also a key performer at the National Schools Swimming Championships as well.
Achievements:
Girls’ Under 15 400m Freestyle -Gold
Girls’ Under 15 100m Freestyle – Gold
Girls’ Under 15 200m Freestyle – Gold
Girls’ Under 15 100m Breaststroke – Gold
Read Also: #SAAC2016 – Sri Lanka bag 7 golds but India dominate waters
02. Shenali Weerawansa
The Junior Nationals Best Swimmer, Shenali Weerawansa from Ave Maria Convent Negombo took home three gold medals and two silver making it five medals in total. Shenali dominated the Backstroke and Breaststroke events while also ending up winning the short course Freestyle event.
Achievements:
Girls Under 15 100m Butterfly – Silver
Girls Under 15 50m Backstroke – Gold
Girls’ Under 15 50m Butterfly – Silver
Girls’ Under 15 Backstroke – Gold
Girls’ Under 15 50m Freestyle – Gold
03. Shavitha De Silva
The 14-year-old Josephian swimmer Shevinda De Silva bagged the silverware for the Best Swimmer Junior Nationals for his achievement of securing three gold medals and three silver silver medals giving St. Joseph’s the opportunity to clinch the Junior Nationals title as well.
Achievements:
Boys’ Under 15 200m Individual Medley – Silver
Boys’ Under 15 100m Freestyle – Silver
Boys’ Under 15 50m Backstroke – Gold
Boys’ Under 15 50m Butterfly – Gold
Boys’ Under 15 100m Backstroke – Gold
04. Kyle Abeysinghe
Filling the shoes of his elder sibling, the youngest of the Abeysinghe’s Kyle emerged as Sri Lanka’s new national champion dominating the Senior Nationals winning four gold medals and a silver medal in the individual events. With the relays added up, Kyle went on to win eight gold medals and three silver in total. His efforts saw Killer Whale Aquatics reign on top to retain the Men’s national title for the second year running
Achievements:
Men’s 400m Freestyle – Silver
Men’s 200m Individual Medley – Gold
Men’s 100m Freestyle – Gold
Men’s 200m Freestyle – Gold
Men’s 50m Freestyle – Gold
05. Ishani Senanayake
The newly crowned Best Swimmer in the Senior Nationals category, Ishani Senanayake of Killer Whale Aquatics had one of the best swimming championships this year winning gold in all five of the events she participated. Senanayake dominated the long distance events and was the undisputed winner.
Achievements:
Women’s 400m Freestyle – Gold
Women’s200m Backstroke – Gold
Women’s 100m Freestyle – Gold
Women’s 200m Freestyle – Gold
Women’s 800m Freestyle – Gold
06. Vinoli Kaluarachchi
The 17-year-old swimmer from Sirimavo Bandaranaike Balika Vidyalaya played an integral role in their team’s first ever Senior Nationals title victory. Vinoli who was adjudged the Best Swimmer in the National Sports Festival and later represented Sri Lanka at the South Asian Aquatic Championship.
Vinoli won two silver medals and two gold in her individual events and had the honour of winning five more in the relay events along with her team for Sirimavo.
Achievements:
Women’s 200m Backstroke – Silver
Women’s Open 100m Freestyle – Silver
Women’s Open 50m Backstroke – Gold
Women’s Open 50m Freestyle – Gold
