Never take swimming as a burden

By Panchamee Hewavissenti

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Julian Bolling is probably the finest swimmer produced by Sri Lanka. The finest moment of his career was when he won five medals at the 1991 SAF Games in Colombo. The swimmer, now a coach, had a cordial chat with the Sunday Observer recently at the Sport Avenue.

How do you start your day?

I start my day by waking at 4.30 a.m. and going for a swimming coaching session from 5.00 a.m. to 7.00 a.m. I stop the session at 7.00 a.m. because students have to go to school. Then I go back home and have breakfast and a nap. I indulge in prayer and get back to office (NCC).

I do administrative work there. I will again get back home to have lunch and a nap. I will go back to office again at about 4.00 pm and conduct coaching till about 7.00 p.m. Then I play badminton till about 8.00 p.m. and then go home. Some times I read books before I retire to bed.

I stay at Kollupitiya with my mother and my two dogs, Jacob and Diago.

How do you feel when you look back at your career?

I feel very happy because I have learnt a lot from swimming. The experience I have gained from sport is of great assistance for me in my day-to-day life. I learnt to be disciplined, to take up challenges and to keep morale intact when I lose something. I have achieved that state within myself through the experience I received over the years.

I developed my leadership qualities through the experience I had when I was appointed as the overall captain of the event, 1984 in Kathmandu-Nepal.

And I also feel happy that I have done my best for the country and brought victory.

Are you satisfied with what you have achieved?

I can be satisfied with the victories I have gained. But at the same time I feel sad because I missed a few targets, which I have dreamt of such as winning a medal at the Asian Games in 1982 and 1986. But still I am contented with my achievements. As I told you earlier I have learnt disciplines of sport so that I think winning a medal is not the only thing we can get from sports. The experience and discipline are the most important aspects when it comes to sport.

Have you ever faced financial problems during your career as a swimmer?

Yes. When I was chosen to represent Sri Lanka for the event held in Kathmandu, the Government asked me to bear the expenses. Then my parents decided not to send me there because at that time my family was not in a position to bear the cost. When I refused to participate, the Government agreed to sponsor me.

When I was in the USA, I had many financial problems. I had to save my breakfast till night because I could only afford to pay for my breakfast.

Tell us your sweet memories at Barcelona Olympics in 1992?

That was my third Olympic participation. It was a unique experience. I was really happy to represent the country at the Barcelona olympics.

I have happy memories there. I befriended a Spanish girl after the event and had a memorable time with that pretty girl. I was very sad to leave her and return to my motherland. After I came back to Sri Lanka too I communicated with her through letters. But after sometime I didn’t hear from her. So as time passed by I erased her from my memory.

How do you recall your memories at Royal college swimming?

We were the all island champion team. I was very much into swimming when I was schooling. I used to sleep everyday in class. Teachers used to tell other boys in the class not to shout because I was sleeping. The support I received from my teachers was such.

What is your message to youngsters taking up swimming?

Whatever sport they engage in they should be interested in the sport in order to excel in the particular field. Not being demoralised when facing defeat is an essential quality of a sportsman. Learn to enjoy swimming and never take swimming as a burden. Enjoy competing with others because it will strengthen your courage and morale. Attending regular practice sessions and taking care of your health are also equally important when someone is hoping to excel in swimming.