"She made the first move"

Dhammika talks about life with Sprint Queen Susanthika Jayasinghe:

Victory brings glamour and defeat brings clamour. Susanthika Jayasinghe, the Sprint Queen is in between both. The bouquets on her hands would turn to stones when triumph shifts to loss.

There's no pause to the ringing of the phone when she wins. Invitations for opening ceremonies, this function and that function would pour on her when she returns with 'medals'. But at her misfortune, a few would be there to wipe off her tears. Dhammika Nandakumara, beloved husband of the Black Princess has many things to say.

"We have to accept this fact. More than anybody. Susie's fans are the ones who get upset over her defeats. They, who get mentally down even more than Susie. Sport provides either triumph or defeat. Still the majority cannot understand this. On the other hand this is human nature," specifies Dhammika, the present coach of the Sprint Queen.

"Susanthika (Susie) is a strong woman both physically and mentally. But the power she has to face both victory and defeat is her inner or mental strength. Whatever problems that come her way this has been the only fact that has prevented her from falling apart," recalls Dhammika.

Kumbukage Dhammika Nandakumara is from Gonapola, Horana, but had spent most of his life in Panadura. He was in the A/L class when the insurgence propped up in the country in 1989. He joined the National Sports School and did a one-year Diploma in Sports in 1989. He did sports until 1995, and was the National Champion both in 100m and 200m in 1993 and 1994.

"I joined the Army in 1994. And so did Susie. This is because joining the Forces has been the only choice an amateur sportsman has until he or she comes up and finds his or her own survival. Or else they have to find their own food and lodging while coming for practices. And still this has been the practice in the sports field in Sri Lanka," says Dhammika.Dhammika and Susie both resigned from the Army after a few years.

Manannalage Susanthika Jayasinghe who was born and bred at Uduwaka, Warakapola was one such novice whose talent for running detected by her Sports Officer Mrs. Dhammika Wanigasuriya. Susie was introduced to Dervin Perera, Athletic Coach, and started to undergo practices under him at the Torrington Grounds.

Dhammika was also one of the sports students of Coach Dervin. The team which comprised 10 to 12 young sportsmen and women including Susie and Dhammika had a brotherly relationship among them.

"At first it was just friendship. We had our meals together, and used to chat for hours. That's why she still calls me 'Aiya'. But when others started teasing us I felt there was something going on. I ignored this at first, but she made the first move," laughs Dhammika.

The green pastures and the green shades of the Torrington Ground witnessed the determination of the young village Sprint Queen who was sweating off to bring medals to her country. And not merely that, but also the humble romance blooming up in the two young souls.

Q: Was there any especial feature or quality that attracted you towards Susie? DhammikA: Well, hmm....(thinks) her smile. And her outspoken and candid quality. She can talk well. She is superb! (laughs). She was not even a National Champ at that time.

When she declared her feelings frankly to me, I didn't mind going ahead with her. It was the first love of both of us (smiles). I was about 23 years and she was just 18....

However, something provoked them to tie the knot early. Only their team of sports friends knew that the duo had got registered.

This was in 1994. When Susie's family members came to see her, she didn't fail to introduce him to them. Neither of their families had a word to go against their wish, but they were bewildered about why they had wanted to get married so soon, without informing them.

It was after six months that their family members got to know about their registration. "We just wanted it in that way," he says with a broad smile. It seems that Susie is a rebel not only in sports.

Susie won her first medal (Bronze) at SAF Games in Bangladesh in 1993. And in 1994, the year she got engaged, she won the Silver at the Asian Games.. And then in year 2000, which followed her wedding with Dhammika, she won the Bronze in the Olympic Games. "Our wedding was held at Ambepussa Rest House on November 17, and the official function was held at the Hotel Hilton after two days. Nearly 1,000 guests attended both functions," recalls Dhammika.

The Olympic Silver medal brought extreme glamour to Susie's life. Everything for her; wedding, the vehicle, the flat in Moratuwa were sponsored. Only thing that was not 'sponsored' was love - which is still showered upon her from his heart.

Dhammika and Susie have been married for 13 years (along with the few years after they got registered). Living peacefully in her Narahenpita flat, Susie spends her days leisurely after going for practices.

"We are building a new house. Both Susie and I come from the village. It's seven years since we have been living in a flat. True, it's convenient in every aspect. But we need some greenery and fresh air at least once in a way. So that's why we decided to build a place in the suburb," says Dhammika.

Q: You have been married for many years. So do you see the same Susie or what are the changes that have taken place in her?

Dhammika: I see a difference (pauses). She is extremely busy, and this fact has lessened the time for both of us.

We rarely have time to be together. But I want her to 'run' as long as she could because I have to realise that Susie is not only mine, but she is a national asset. The whole Sri Lanka claims her.

We have to think of a peaceful and proper family life only after she quits from sports. But I do not think that day is near by. I have given her the freedom to make her own decisions.

However I render all my assistance to her. Being the husband of a world champion athletic wife is a wonderful experience. But a lot of sacrifices are involved. But still I believe people will remember 'Susie' as they do Duncan White. Sports Stars like them have done something for the country.

Dhammika is now involved in a small business in the Rubber trade. "Time is the most valuable thing which we don't have as both of us give priority to her practices. The Olympics which will be held next year in Beijing, China is her next target," says Dhammika.

Q: What are the weak points you see in her?

Dhammika: She believes others a lot. And takes sudden decisions. How ever much I've advised her she doesn't bother to think far.

Q: You are the present coach of Susie. What kind of an experience is that?

Dhammika: Sometimes she tries to slip away. So there are times that I have to be firm with her. At home I'm her beloved husband, but on the ground I'm her coach. So no nonsense!

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