Two fresh talents from Killer Whale Aquatics are set to make waves at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Kyle Abeysinghe, a promising freestyle star, and Ganga Seneviratne, the women’s top-ranked backstroke swimmer, have secured their spots under the universality places allocated by World Aquatics for the prestigious event, scheduled from July 26 to August 11 in Paris, France.
For 24-year-old Kyle Abeysinghe, this Olympic opportunity marks a triumphant return to competitive swimming after a five-year lay off due to illness. Earlier this year, he clinched the title of Short Course National Champion, signaling his remarkable comeback in the sport.
Meanwhile, Ganga Seneviratne claims the highest FINA points in backstroke events among Sri Lankan swimmers. Her outstanding performance at the last World Championship in Doha, where she emerged as the top South Asian swimmer in the women’s 100m Backstroke, signifies her mastery in the pool.
Abeysinghe’s comeback was marked by an impressive timing of 50.99 seconds in the men’s 100m Freestyle, earning him the second-best FINA points of 776, just behind his elder brother, double Olympian Matthew Abeysinghe. However, according to the latest rules by World Aquatics, Matthew Abeysinghe is ineligible to compete due to having already participated in two previous Olympics.
In light of this ruling, Kyle Abeysinghe steps up to represent his family’s legacy at the forthcoming Olympics. Similarly, 20-year-old Ganga Seneviratne’s exceptional performance secures her a well-deserved spot, with her 690 FINA points reflecting her persistense and proficiency in the backstroke.
The qualification process considered performances from World championships, including the Fukuoka and Doha World Championships. Among the notable contenders were women’s freestyle star, Short Course National Champion of KWA Hiruki de Silva, who opted to withdraw from participation to focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and former KWA swimmer Ramudi Samarakoon, a Hungary-based breaststroke specialist.
With the announcement by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU), the stage is set for Abeysinghe, and Seneviratne, to represent their country in the Olympic pool. As they prepare to compete against the world’s best in Paris, these rising stars carry the hopes and aspirations of a nation.
Sajeewa Jayakody