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| Sunday, 25 July 2004 |
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Francis leads Olympic contingent by Leslie Fernando Ace Sri Lankan swimmer Conrad Francis, presently in Australia undergoing training on a NOC scholarship, has been selected by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) to swim at the World Short Course Swimming Championships from October 7 to 13 at Indianapolis, USA. Conrad, who it is understood will be overall captain of the Sri Lankan contingent to this August's 2004 Athens Olympic Games where he is drawn up for his pet event-100 metres butterfly stroke along with the only woman counterpart, Meneka de Silva (50 metres free style event), was named by FINA (world controlling body for aquatic sports). FINA has recommended Conrad's participation for this mega event on his performances this year. Conrad is the only Sri Lankan to win two gold medals at the last Asian Age Group Swimming Championships held in Maccau-China. The two gold medals were from his pet events - the 50 and 100 metres butterfly. His recent triumph was winning two gold medals at the South Asian Federation Games held in Islamabad, Pakistan recently. The Lankan golden boy of swimming set a new record in the 100 metres butterfly event 'clocking' 56.35 secs. He also established a record in the 50 metres butterfly. This event was included for the first time at the Games. He also won two silvers in the 100 and 50 metres breast stroke and two bronze medals in the free style and medley relays. Conrad (23), is performing exceptionally well at the Nunawading Swimming Club and Training Centre, Forest Hill in Victoria. He has been returning very good timings in his pet events since late at several warm-up meets. When Conrad first went to Australia he was coached by the present Australian head coach, Leigh Nugent. Presently he is coached by Mark Thompson. Conrad told the 'Sunday Observer' that he received the scholarship when he was just 15 years, and he has gained lot of experience swimming with top Australian swimmers. He was able to win several gold medals, silver and bronze recently due to regular hard training. 'I train daily on week days which includes nine swimming sessions and three gym sessions and physiotherapy sessions seven days of the week', and I can't complain about the strict schedule, for Athens Olympic Games I am really concentrating on 100 metres butterfly stroke. My main ambition is to be among the first sixteen at Athens next month", said Conrad. Conrad said that he will return to Colombo shortly and train under the coaches appointed by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union. "I'm also indeed happy that I have been selected to swim at the World Short Course Swimming Championships in USA in October. I think I will compete in the 50 metres and 100 metres butterfly stroke and also may be in the 50 and 100 metres breast stroke events", he added. Francis is to be named overall captain for the Athens Olympic Games, according to a senior official of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka. (NOC) The Vice-President, Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union wing commander Sanjeya de Silva has been selected to go as the manager to USA with Conrad Francis. |
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