Swimmers excel at trials

Sanjaya Ariyaratne

SWIMMING: Three national records were lowered at the swimming trials held to select a pool in preparation for the South Asian Games 2006 to be conducted in Sri Lanka. The trials were organised by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union(SLASU) and was held at the Sugathadasa Swimming Complex.

Mayumi Raheem (Rainbow Aquatic Club) was the first to establish the record and was also the winner of six events. Her best achievement was in the 100m Back Stroke.

She clocked 1:16.04 for the event on the opening day.

She also went on to win 50m free style (29.15 secs), 200m Individual Medley (2:35.13), 400m Individual Medley relay, 100m Freestyle, 200m Breast Stroke (2:48.33).

Sixteen year old Miniruwani Samarakoon (Gateway International School, Kandy) set the other Sri Lanka record in the women's 100m Butterfly Stroke clocking one minute and 10.04 secs. to erase the previous record 1:10.24.

Heshan Unamboowa of (Trinity College) emerged as the winner in 100m Backstroke with a time of 1:2.68 secs. to better the previous National record 1:02.96 secs.

Stefan Lee won the 50m Free Style (25.64 secs.) and went on to win the 100m Free Style clocking 55.96 secs. Standards achieved by these swimmers and with more training they are capable of winning medals at the forthcoming Games.