Dilushi Dilshara, a 13-year-old student from champion Lyceum International School Wattala, recently made an impact at the 48th National Age Group Swimming Championship. Held at the Sugathadasa Stadium Swimming Pool and organized by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU), Dilushi emerged as the Under-15 Girls Champion, securing an impressive triple gold medal victory.
Competing in her first year in the Under-15 age group, Dilushi outshone her competitors, clinching three gold medals and two silver medals across five events. Her stellar performance earned her a total of 21 points, surpassing contenders like India’s Saumya Sachdeva and Rushalee Dissanayake of Musaeus College.
Dilushi’s outstanding achievements propelled Lyceum International School Wattala to victory, with the team accumulating 341 points and securing their inaugural championship win. Her remarkable talent shone particularly in breaststroke and individual medley events, where she achieved personal best times.
In the 200m breaststroke event, Dilushi clocked an impressive 3:03.40, while she completed the 200m individual medley in 2:44.47. Additionally, she showcased her prowess in the 400m individual medley with a timing of 5:27.25. Dilushi also excelled in the 50m and 100m breaststroke events, earning further medals for Lyceum Wattala.
Dilushi was the youngest member of the Sri Lankan swimming team comprising 48 athletes at the 11th Asian Age Group Swimming Championship held in the Philippines last December. Her achievements highlight the promising future of Sri Lankan swimming.
Sajeewa Jayakody
