“In all probabilities my next medal will be my baby. My next aim in life is to have children and start a family and become a fully fledged mom” Said Sri Lanka’s or for that matter the whole Asian region’s -- one and only Olympic short distance medal winner Susanthika Jayasinghe in an interview with the Sunday Times.

Born on December 17, 1975 in Athnewela in the Kegalle district in an underprivileged environment, Susanthika became an Asian phenomenon where she excelled in the short distance sprints.

Speaking further Susanthika said “Now I am 32 years old and even my doctors say that if I am interested in having a family that this is the prime time”. However she also indicated that she has not put a date on her international retirement, the South Asian Games, The Asian Championships and the World Championships next year would be her last efforts at international level.
Susanthika added “Right now I am spending quality time with my family, mother and father. I think this break is far overdue for me”.

Commenting on the last Olympics Jayasinghe said, “This entire nation eagerly waited for me to win a medal at the last Olympics in Beijing. However I think it was wrong in the part of the officials to give that impression to the public. Though we did not make it a public issue, I really was injured while taking part at the Beijing Games, however had I pulled out someone would have definitely said ‘here goes Susanthika again’. So as a result I kept on running till the semi-finals.

No deposits with Sakvithi

At this juncture the Lankan sprint queen jumped off the track. She blurted out “There is rumour spreading around that I was duped by this character by the name of Sakvithi Ranasinghe for a large sum of money. There is no truth in that. I know how to live with the money that I have earned so far and I know as to how I can make use of it. I have all my dealings with only one bank.

“However I also must say that a large portion of earnings have gone towards the house that I am building and that is the place that I intend living for the rest of my life”.

When we mentioned that there were talks about her leaving for the United States after her departure from the track Susanthika said “I will never live anywhere else. I enjoy living with my kith and kin. I also know how lonely you feel when you live abroad”.

Finally when The Sunday Times inquired from her if she intended helping the sport once she decides to leave the track the sprint queen of Sri Lanka said “Still I have not given deep thought to it. However it cannot be ruled out. If any one asks for my help in the field of athletics, I certainly will not hesitate to extend a helping hand.”