Andrew - two golds with records

Andrew Abeysinghe was one of the impressive swimmers among the men for Sri Lanka at the 10th edition of the South Asian Games swimming discipline held from August 19 to 23 at the Sugathadasa Stadium pool. Andrew gave the hosts Sri Lanka two memorable gold medals.

Andrew, the back stroke specialist won the gold in he 100 and 200 metres back stroke. He not only won the gold in both events but set new games records in both events. 100 metres 1 min 11.0 seconds and 200 metres 2 mins 11.17 seconds. He is a good bet for bigger achievements to come. This young swimmer was not in the original Sri Lanka swimming team but was included due to his excellent performances and timings he secured walls training in the United States.

The bespectacled Andrew who left yesterday to USA accompanied by his father Manoj, was a very happy young man when the writer met him at Lake House Boardroom, on Friday.

Andrew said his first ambition to win gold for Sri Lanka was achieved and "my next aim is to be selected to swim at the Asian Games to be held in at Doha, Qatar in December this year to bring honour to the country."

Andrew despite being stationed in USA has participated in several SLASU conducted meets representing Rainbow AC.

He has helped the Rainbow AC to become overall champions at the last National Swimming Championships, winning 5 events and establishing 3 new national records. He was selected as the men's champion swimmer at the nationals. He is a self-made swimmer. He took to swimming when he was just three years old, 'I guess my parents put me in the water because I was playing in it always'.

The South Asian Games is the first international exposure for Andrew and he is very pleased with his performances.

"I will continue my studies at Beavercreek High School and continue systematic swimming training schedule under American coach Kevin Weldon who has helped me in a big way to improve my technique, style and winning methods," added Andrew.

L. F