In a stunning display of skill and determination, young swimmer MF Muhammad, hailing from Zahira College, made waves at the 48th Sri Lanka School Swimming Championship, sponsored by MILO and organized by the Sri Lanka Schools’ Aquatic Sports Association (SLSASA). Muhammad’s incredible performance saw him break two national records in the Under-16 Boys 100m Breaststroke and 200m Breaststroke events, securing three gold medals, including the 200m Individual Medley, and earning the title of Under-16 National Champion.
Muhammad’s ambitions reach far beyond national records, as he dreams of one day competing in the Olympics and shattering world records. “It’s all about hard work and dedication frequently. I have been practicing all seven days. I am going to the gym twice a week. My swimming coach and parents guide me really well. I want to compete in the Olympics and break a world record, not a national record, a world record,” said the determined young athlete.
Muhammad’s journey to swimming stardom is a remarkable one. His father, Fidyan Fowmy, shared, “Before we directed him to swimming in 2017, he had asthma, wheezing every night, and we took him to the hospital those days. The doctor advised us to get rid of this illness by directing him to swimming. We wanted to stop it after a year because he was fully recovered.
But his coach said he had a good future and would not to stop swimming. We decided to support his swimming. That was his first sport.”
Despite the early health challenges, Muhammad has dedicated himself to both his studies and swimming, handling a heavy workload for his age while maintaining a balance between education and the sport, according to his father.
His coach, Mohideen Fawaz, praised Muhammad’s exceptional technique, calling him a stylish swimmer who garners cheers from spectators. “Other prominent coaches also said that he is an uncut gem,” Fawaz added. Fawaz played a pivotal role in shaping Muhammad’s swimming style and convinced his father to continue supporting his aquatic journey.
Muhammad, Under-16 Boys Champion of the 48th MILO Sri Lanka Schools’ Aquatic Sports Championships, proudly accepts his Championship Trophy from Nestle Lanka PLC Managing Director Bernhard Stefan.
Muhammad made his debut in 2018 at the Novices Swimming and Diving Championships organized by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU), where he clinched a gold medal in the Under-11 Boys 200m Individual Medley.
He continued to shine, winning more gold medals in the Sri Lanka Schools’ Aquatic Sports Association (SLSASA) Aquatic Sports Novices Championship later that year.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Muhammad’s determination remained unwavering. In 2021, he became the Junior National Champion (Under-15), setting a Junior National Record in the 200m Breaststroke and earning four silver medals in the National Long Course Swimming Championships conducted by SLASU.
Muhammad’s journey to glory continued in 2022, where he secured a gold medal in the Boys Under-16 200m Breaststroke and a silver medal in the 200m Individual Medley at the 47th Sri Lanka Schools Swimming Championship organized by SLSASA.
The young swimmer’s achievements reached new heights at the 2022 Short Course National and Junior National Swimming Championships, organized by SLASU, where he clinched five gold medals, setting a Junior National Record in the 200m Boys Under-15 Breaststroke event, and four more gold medals in various disciplines.
In early 2023, Muhammad made history once again by winning two gold medals in the 100m Breaststroke and 200m Individual Medley at the long course National Swimming Championship, earning a spot in the 23-member Sri Lanka National Pool, becoming the youngest to achieve this feat alongside Wesley College’s Adithya Siriwardena.
Most recently, at the 47th National Age Group Swimming Championship in 2023, organized by SLASU, Muhammad displayed his dominance by securing three gold medals with Junior National Records in the Boys Under-17 100m Breaststroke, 200m Breaststroke, and 200m Individual Medley, in addition to earning two silver medals.
Muhammad’s impressive journey continued as he became the Under-17 Champion at last month’s SLASU’s Pentathlon Swimming Championship, cementing his status as the youngest standout in his age group. As this young swimmer’s star continues to rise, the world watches with anticipation to see if he can turn his dreams of Olympic glory and world records into reality.
SAJEEWA JAYAKODY