Sean Lee - youngest to establish 20 national records

Leslie FERNANDO

The 27-year-old Sean Lee presently in the USA was one of the most outstanding swimmers produced by Sri Lanka. It was a unique achievement for Sean to establish 20 national records, both at local and international meets when he was just 16 years.

He was the Sri Lanka men’s swimming captain for 1995 SAF Games in India. The free style specialist a former St. Joseph’s College and Asian International School showed his champion qualities from 1990.

Sean was not only champion in the pool but prominent in the sea as well being awarded the youngest swimmer’s trophy (for boys) at the 54th two mile sea swim held at Mt. Lavinia in 1991.

He had good academic capabilities and outstanding performances in sports.

Sean started swimming at the tender age of eight. Not yet ten he hit the limelight when he smashed the 50 metres free style record (36:32 secs) which still stands. Sean began his education and sports training at St. Joseph’s College.

He was coached by late Shirley Abeysinghe, Ranil Gunasena, David and Julian Bolling.

He first started to compete in short distance events but changed to long distance events and achieved glory.

SEVERAL TROPHIES

Sean has helped St. Joseph’s College to win several championship trophies with his triumphs winnings. Sean also went on to captain the Josephian swimming team in 1997.

Sean has participated in several open meets and has excelled in free style and individual medley.

He gained national recognition in 1992 when he participated at the 6th Asia Pacific Age Group Swimming Championships in Beijing, China. Sean’s outstanding achievements in swimming (national and international) are in setting up records - 50 metres free style in 1990, 400 metes individual medley in 1995, 400 metres free style in 1996, 200 metres free style in 1996, 1,500 metres free style in 1996 in Chinese Taipei (improved on the under 19 record of 18:10:78 secs set in 1982 by Julian Bolling) - Sean’s time was 17:55:77 secs.

Sean also broke the 400 metres free style and 400 metres individual medley records. Sean’s timing in 400 metres free style - 4:33:57 secs and 400 metres IM was 5:29:10 secs.

Sean also established records at the Sri Lanka Schools Junior/Senior National Swimming Championships as well as at age group swimming meets, national swimming championships and Royal College Union Aquatic Gala.

Sean’s participation in international events are as follows - 6th Asia Pacific Age Group Swimming Championships in China in 1992.

8th Asia Pacific Age Group Swimming Championships in India in 1994, SAF Games in India in 1995, 9th APAGSC in Colombo, Invitation Age Group Swimming Championships, Chinese Taipei in 1996, 10th Asia Pacific Age Group Swimming Championships, South Korea in 1996.

Invitation Age Group Swimming Meet in Taiwan in 1997 - and Sean was captain of the Sri Lanka men’s team. Sean also was the men’s captain for the 1995 SAF Games in India.

Sean was selected to swim at the 1st World Gymnasiade in Shanghai, China in 1998 and at the 13th Asia Pacific Age Group Swimming Championships in 1999 but due to studies/examinations did not make the trips.

Scholarship

Sean was selected by NAASU and approved by NOC to go on IOC Swimming Scholarship to Australia in 1998 along with two other swimmers Eranga Fernando of S. Thomas’ College and Anuradha Perera of Trinity College. But the Sports Ministry stopped it and decided to set down a foreign coach instead.

The other outstanding achievements of Sean Lee - best all rounder (academic and sports) primary school, St. Joseph’s College in 1993.

Junior ranked tennis player in 1993, school house swimming captain 1996, 1997 and 1998, member Interact Club, Treasurer of English Literary Union, St. Joseph’s College, acting Steward/Prefect in 1998 at St. Joseph’s College.

Sean won one bronze in 1992 APAGSC in China and 2 silver medals from SAF Games.

One bronze and 9 diplomas together with 20 records at local level. Sean had eyes on greater achievements in the years to come.

In 1998 Sean joined Asian International School and helped the school to win the overall championship title at the Inter-International Swimming Championships in 1999.

Sean had to leave early from the local swimming scene as he left to USA for further studies and to better his prospects.

Mrs. Goolbai Gunasekera the Principal of AIS who is a famed educationist had this to say of Lee: “the school indeed is happy to have Sean Lee one of the brightest national swimmer who has brought honour to the school and the country. Sean is a worthwhile student and a fine leader.”