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 |