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| Sunday, 23 January 2005 |
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Menaka de Silva : Swimming her way to glory by Ranga Kamaladasa For the aspiring lovers of sports the Olympics is more than a dream. It's an obsession. And a passion. It's about pushing your mind and body to their limits and enduring the pain that comes with it. A medal in the Olympics may only be a dream for most sportsmen and women in our country but mere participation in the games itself is a highly designated opportunity. That's especially true if you're just a teenager like Menaka De Silva who has life-long career ahead of you. Boasting over ten all-island school swimming records and over five all-island school athletic records, Menaka was also favoured to represent Sri Lanka in over ten international swimming meets held in various parts of the globe including the Athens games. "Athens was one of my dreams." says Menaka. "Just to be there and compete is something. Luckily for me I got the chance and it's like a lifetime experience." A past pupil of St. Bridget's Convent, she's an extremely talented young athlete by her own right. Representing her school in Athletics, Basket Ball, Netball, Water Polo as well as Swimming she has become one of the most prominent characters in the field of sports these days. Her career in swimming took to the stage at the tender age of 10. She was called upon to represent her country in the Asia Pacific swimming meet held in Sri Lanka at that time. She didn't succeed in any individual events, but she was placed 3rd in the 4x50m (freestyle) relay. "It was my first time and I didn't know what I was doing." Menaka remembers. "Someone had to push me and encourage me. It's nothing like being prepared and all that. Considering my age and the countries that participated, it was a huge event." Then the following year she went to Taipei and Pushan in Korea, representing her country at what she does best. Then it was Malaysia, India, Singapore, Pakistan ...... the list is endless as she proudly and graciously embarked on her journey of being one of the most significant figures in the sporting world. "My parents were with me thorough out." reveals Menaka. "When it came it to studies, like any other family they also pushed me. But it was not like 'get higher marks' or any thing. They probably knew from the start that my arena was sports not studies." She also mentions the help received from her trainers as well. Her first coach Julian was among the most favourite persons on her list. "I think it all depends on the first coach. Whatever your career is, it's essential that you develop a craving for that. So the first person to introduce you to the game plays a significant role in getting you into that correct mood. He did just that." She also mentions her other coaches with gratitude. "Rizvi Zain was my second coach. He was more of a quiet person but he was the one who went with me to my first International meet, which was at Taipei in 1996. But then he passed away and from there on Anita taught me. She's an Australian and she really helped me with my techniques." As she gained momentum in her stride towards the hall of fame her efforts were not unnoticed. She received National and School colours in 2001 as well as the Best Sportswoman of the year. In 2002 she was awarded the all-island Best female Swimmer award. Slowly with these achievements she matured into an international level sports professional. In 2003 she represented Sri Lanka as the only female swimmer for the 10th FINA World Swimming Championships held in Barcelona. In 2004 she represented Sri Lanka in the SAF games in Islamabad where she won a silver medal for the 50m just missing the SAF record by 0.02 seconds. But the most groundbreaking event for her was the Olympics at Athens. Even though she suffered from a shoulder injury at that time she managed a 28.93 timing in the 50M free-style whereas her best was 28.4. "Sometimes it's harder to compete in a different country." says Menaka. "The weather's different. The water conditions are different. So I could've done better but I'm satisfied." But she has a lot to say about the whole Olympics experience; "You imagine yourself in the Olympic Village - a vast area unlike anywhere you've ever been. You get the best facilities and everything is provided for you and you meet the best athletes in the international level, so it's just amazing." She made a lot of famous friends while she was there including the likes of Ian Thorpe, Michael Phelps, Carl Louise and many more. "When you look at them they're very young and very huge. Usually we get together for a picture or an autograph or maybe just to dine and really, though they hold world records and all, most of them are friendly." She goes on to tell that there were a lot of things to learn and capture from them as well. "Even if you don't talk with them and just observe them training you can quickly realise what our faults are. Their dedication is also worthy of mentioning. They practice so much and sacrifice so much." "Unlike us, they look at the process long-term, and go with specific goals in mind from the beginning. Their coaching has a much deeper meaning as well. The coach not only covers the technical side but also the mental side of the athlete. Because ultimately that's what matters." Menaka revealing her future plans says that she doesn't want to do a Management or an Accountancy degree but wants to tread her own path in sports. A degree in sports, and taking up coaching one day to start her own academy are the aspirations staggering in the depths of her mind. "I want to train the best and have the best. I want to serve my country and do something special so that's my ambition." "We have a lot of potential. It's just that we lack funds and the knowledge. I don't know what will happen in the future but I definitely want to do it." says a very resolute Menaka. As an experienced and veteran sportswoman in Sri Lanka she has this to say for all the young aspiring sports people who are endeavouring to start their own career in sports. "You can achieve through sacrifice. You can't achieve anything easily. But when you go out there, just do your best. And have no regrets." |
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