TOYP award for swimmer Conrad Francis

LESLIE FERNANDO

Conrad Francis, former Josephian and Sri Lanka ace swimmer has won many accolades from numerous institutions for his talent in swimming representing Sri Lanka at the 'The Sydney Olympics 2000' and 'Athens Olympics 2004'.

Presently swimming coach/instructor at Inside Edge Focus, Melbourne, qualified fitness instructor at Swinergy and Customer Service Officer at Swinburne University Melbourne he was honoured being the winner of JCI TOYP 2007 award for personal accomplishment in sports.

Conrad who swam in his first international meet in 1992 at the Asia Pacific Age Group Swimming Championships in Beijing, China 1992 was closely followed by the writer.

After 11 years - Sunday Observer 25th May 2003 had the heading on page 17 - Conrad Francis - unique feat of 100 records in swimming with a huge picture of him.

His swimming records at school, club, national and international level stands at 11. The writer has followed Francis' progress since he participated in China in 1992.

Conrad who has graduated in Sports Management and Recreation at the Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne in a telephone conversation from down under said that he was delighted at being selected to one of the prestigious award winners.

My main aim is to impart all my learning and experience to Sri Lanka sports. Conrad's name for this award was nominated by Isfahani Sameen 1989 JCI (Junior Chamber International) World President.

Conrad the only swimmer to take part in the Olympics is also the only Sri Lankan to get two gold medals at the Asian Age Group Swimming Championships in Macau, China (both were new meet records) in 2003, said that he thanks his parents and sister for all the support and encouragement they have given him to be able to reach the top in swimming.

Conrad who began his swimming career at the age of 9 years received the Certificate of Honour awarded for the most prestigious Josephian Blue and Josephian Colours in 1996 for performances in swimming in recognition of sportsmanship, courage and loyalty to St. Joseph's College. He was the youngest ever recipient to be awarded the 'Josephian Award of Excellence'.

In 1996 National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka identified him as a promising swimmer to be awarded the IOC Solidarity Scholarship via Australia Sports Linkage Program and sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Australian Sports Commission arranged coaching facilities with the Nunawading Swimming Club in Victoria and Academic studies at the Rowville Secondary College.

Some of Conrad's educational and sporting achievements in Australia: Completed secondary education at Rowville Secondary College in 1999 and successfully completed Victorian Certificate of Education. VCE Leader in the year 1998 and 1999.

He was awarded the Best Sportsman of the year in 1997 and 1998 representing VSSA swimming in Sydney. Awarded certificate for most consistent student in year 12. Award of Excellence in Sports (swimming in 1997 and 1998).

Conrad said that the Sydney Olympics 2000 were most memorable because it was his first Olympic and it was a privilege representing Sri Lanka at a high profile event. The Athens Olympics 2004 was another wonderful experience, being the birth place of Olympics.

A host of other competitions include Commonwealth Games, World Championships, Asian Games, South Asian Federation Games, Asian Age Group Championships and Asia Pacific Age Group Championships establishing several national Sri Lankan and games records.

Winning two gold medals at the Asian Age Group Championships in Macau beating swimmers from China, Korea, Japan and winning six medals at the SAF Games in Islamabad 2004 (two golds, two silvers, two bronze) holds a very special place in his heart, besides all other achievements around the globe added Conrad who's first love is swimming.

Conrad also expressed satisfaction of what he has achieved throughout his career, "I set myself goals at the beginning of every year and it gives me great pleasure to look back and cherish those moments."