Teen swimming star eyes medals at Olympics

Ruwini Jayawardana

DOING THE COUNTRY PROUD: Heshan Bandara Unamboowe, 14, set millions of Sri Lankans cheering as he established two national records at the 15th Asian Games last year in Doha, Qatar. The youngster completed the 100 metre free style timing 55.02 seconds and the 50 metre backstroke in 28.57 seconds. Apart from this recent achievement he has a number of records and titles to his name.

What is the key to Heshan's success?

"First of all you should love the sport that you engage in. Dedication and training come next. I believe success follows these two features. You should believe in yourself and be fit both mentally as well as physically,"advised the young sports star.

A past pupil of Dharmaraja College, Kandy, and at present from Trinity College, Heshan had improved his innate ability for swimming under U.H. Premalath and U.H. Sugath. He had started training for swimming at the age of four, under the guidance of E.G.A. Wilson.

Throughout the years, Heshan had progressed in swimming at a steady pace. He had won the National Pentaththlon Championship for seven consecutive years and the Junior National Championship for three consecutive years. He also emerged as winner of the National Age Group Championship for seven consecutive years.

This gifted youth had established a record in the 50-metre backstroke at the Chennai-Sri Lanka Swimming Championship in India in 2003. He won that event for three years.

Heshan recalling his experience at the fourth Asian Age Group Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2005 as his most memorable experience abroad. He clinched three medals during this event and established a new record for the 50-metre backstroke.

"It was an unforgettable experience. So far only one swimmer from Sri Lanka had won at that particular meet. I am proud to have won a medal for Sri Lanka," he said.

Last year had been prosperous for Heshan. He represented Sri Lanka at the Asian Cup in Singapore and emerged with a new record for the 50-metre backstroke.

In addition to the gold medal, he also clinched silver for 100-metre backstroke and bronze for 200-metre free style. The lad also grabbed one silver for the 100x4 medley relay and four bronze at the 10th South Asian Games 2006 . All together he holds over 60 national, international and age group records.

Apart from swimming, what are his other interests?

Heshan said he enjoys watching cricket and rugby matches. He has a passion for music, especially hip hop, and is able to play the organ. He aims to become a pilot. Heshan's sister, Heshani of Mahamaya Girls' College, Kandy, is also a gifted swimmer.

"My parents and coaches have been behind me all the way. I believe that all my victories are due to their encouragement and support. Their kind words make me feel good and swim faster," he grinned.

Heshan's goal is to represent his country at the Olympics and win medals. Daily News Teen wishes him all the best in making this dream a reality.