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| Wednesday, 14 July 2004 |
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Point of view : Susanthika and Athens Haven't we heard that for everything there is a season and for every purpose - "A time to enter and a time to leave". and some of us do strongly feel, that for the 28-year old Susanthika, the time to leave the arena of international athletics, or at least to gracefully bow out from competing at the 2004 Olympics, has inevitably come, sad though it be. If she, being true to her conscience and having as well the acumen of a sportswoman, is able to discern her prospects in the sprint event - then she rather than court failure at the Athens olympics, will do well to be wise enough to call it a day. This surely would enable Susanthika to live with the pleasant memory of having ended her quest for laurels at the Olympics on a victorious note, by having won a bronze medal in the 200 meters sprint, at the last Olympiad held in the year 2000. Many here and abroad, will therefore associate her with the rewarding experience of success and, not that of failure. This will certainly give her a sense of well-being to carry her through, as the years roll on. Most, if not all of us know that her beginnings were modest, growing up in a humble environment, with parents who lacked the wherewithal, in a remote village called Uduwaka in the Kegalle District, But her forte lay in her ability to run fast and, to her credit it must be said that Susanthika being aware of this talent - relentlessly with much vigour and zest, pursued a career in athletics with a penchant for the 100 and 200 metres sprints. This undoubtedly, appeared to be the turning point for the better in her life and that of the family. For victories were not long in coming, when she with a measure of regularity kept winning the sprints in the local as well as foreign athletic meets, which certainly enabled her to improve her lot. As we now, see it all from this point of time, we are of the view that Susanthika's crowning glory and the pinnacle of her achievement, came when she won the bronze medal at the Sydney Olympics. At that Olympiad she was four years younger and probably less muscular to be lighter, and so did well to come third in the 200 metres final with 22.28 seconds, with Pauline Davis runner-up with 22.27 secs; and Marion Jones the winner, clocking a hard to beat 21.84 secs. For this praiseworthy performance, she earned many an encomium and accolade and became a much sought after star overnight, with name, fame and fortune coming her way as well. One is not sure whether the accomplished success or the advancing in years or yet other factors - were the causes since the last Olympiad and now, for her chequered performances with little or no improvement in her timings, that does not make her eligible for the forthcoming Olympics. Evidence of this was seen in the less competitive first and second leg of the 'Asian Grand Prix' held in Thailand and Colombo, where though coming first at both meets, her timing was an identical 22.38 seconds, which was far short of the qualifying time of 22.17 seconds for the Olympics. In the third and final leg held in Manila, she was pushed to third place, which certainly does not augur well for her-coming events do cast their shadows. Mindful are we that Susanthika has yet to reach the qualifying time of 22.17 seconds. But this alone wouldn't suffice, when the last winner at the Sydney Olympics clocked 21.84 seconds. She well have to aim at 21 seconds, if she is to front up against stiffer competition from women who are younger and much more lithe. Susanthika, backed by a few officials have said that she is determined and hopes to improve her timings, to give of her best. But such speculative utterances wouldn't do, for words must be supported by deeds and actions. And if she does fail at Athens, then she and the officials this time around, should not trot up excuses, which happens to be a regular feature. What those governing the sport should have done since the last Olympiad, should have been to look out for younger potential athletes, to replace those who are fast outliving their period of usefulness. As we see it, Susanthika's ascent to her peak in the Sydney Olympics, was through triumph over adversity and, having reached it, her descent going downhill began. She will do well to recognise this and in keeping with accepted norms, step down with dignity and honour. Richard Dwight |
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