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Swimmer par
excellence
by Farah Macan Markar
Meneka de Silva
eighteen years old,
50m Free Style
National Record holds.
Plus two "Jathika Passal"s,
she's swum in International Meets,
her first at the age of ten
in the Asia Pacific.
Born on January 26th
nineteen eighty five,
she began swimming when eight
and liked it from early times.
Having a love for the water,
Julian Bandara her first coach,
had her swimming meet trained
teaching her the ropes.
In 1996
she toured Chinese Taipei,
clinching two swimming diplomas
coming 4th and 11th place.
An SBC Girl
Menu's been dominating the pool,
from 1994-2001
Swimming Champion of School.
India, Singapore
Malaysia, Korea,
Of International Meets
Menu's had her share.
She's most recently been to Spain
for the 10th World Swimming Championships,
"It's been the biggest event of my life
with all the professionals in it".
Her present coach's J Bowling
she trains six days a week,
swimming, sprinting, and gym
learning techniques and speed.
"I love to be fit
and get into the pool,
whatever sacrifice it's worth
for I love what I do".
A versatile Sportswoman
she does basketball and netball,
plus water polo, athletics
and Put for fun.
A Mother whose played netball
an Athlete-Ruggerite-Dad,
an Elder Brother whose into cricket
Menu comes from a Sports Fam.
To be an Athlete her dad's wanted for her
but for Menu it's been the Pool,
"My parents have encouraged me
at difficult times pulled me through".
Her ultimate dream's to swim
in the Olympics one day,
and become a good coach
the youngsters in her line train.
Among her hobbies are
making cards and being creative,
talking with her friends
and listening to music.
Studying at ACBT
doing a Psychology Course once a week,
in Australia she later wants to
do a Sporting Degree.
Being a Swimmer she says
"Is a wonderful feeling,
it removes your fear of water
and gives you confidence for anything".
Except for the sea
of which this Swimmer's terrified,
being stung by a jelly fish
one time in her life.
Lastly of school Menu says
"The best years were in grade 12,
I found a great batch of friends
who are supportive and helpful".
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