Lankan lass going great guns in athletics in the USA
24-year-old Hiruni Kesara Wijayaratne left Lankan shores when she was very young when her parents moved to the United States of America seeking greener pastures.
She ran while attending St. Bridget’s Convent in Colombo when she was only eight years old, but carried her love for athletics even after she 
moved to the USA.
Now a long distance runner, she works out through the week with her coach Peter Sherry covering more than hundred kilo meters a week and her performances in the given circuit also has been very impressive. She clocked 2:43.35 at the- Indianapolis Monumental Marathon November 1, 2014. In spite of being her first marathon event she claims her time to be better than the current Sri Lankan national record for the event. Her completive timing in the Half- Marathon is 1:17.30.
Here are some excerpts of an e-mail interview that the Sunday Times had with Hiruni.
1. How did you get interested in athletics?
My first race was in my St. Bridget’s uniform when I was 8 years old. Once my family moved to the USA, I began running again for my High School. This was when I started to run longer distance races. I had a lot of success and earned a full scholarship to the University of Kentucky. I ran cross country and track and field for 5 years at the university. I love athletics because it’s a sport that gives anyone an opportunity to excel. If you work hard you will succeed!
2. Who has inspired you in your given events?
My dad Punu Wijayaratne ran while he was a student at Royal College from 1977-1983. His running genetics must have gotten passed to me. My mom taught me that I must work very hard to accomplish anything in life. Marathon training is very difficult. I run between 85-100 miles every week, which takes a lot of discipline. My coach, Peter Sherry has also guided me to be confident in myself. He ran for team USA, Reebok and Adidas from 1991-2004. He also qualified for the Olympic trials in 2000 and 2004.
3. Parent’s support?
My parents have supported me in many ways throughout my entire athletics career. They are my biggest fans whether I win or lose. My mom and dad have also requested help from many of their friends and family to get Sri Lanka’s attention with regards to my running achievements. Financially, running is an easy sport. The only expenses are for shoes and clothing. In college everything was provided for free! Now, I have to purchase things on my own. Thank god I have a great job!
4. Any special achievements?
Marathon – 2:43.35 – Indianapolis Monumental Marathon November 1, 2014. This was my first marathon. My time is faster than the current Sri Lankan national record for the event.
Half- Marathon – 1:17.30 – Evansville Half Marathon – October 4, 2014. This was my first half-marathon. I won the race and set a new course record by 7 minutes. My time is faster than the current Sri Lankan national record for the event.
15 KM – 55:07 – YMCA Evansville 15K – September 6, 2014. I won this race. The next closest female competitor was 5 minute behind.
Track and Field: 1500M- 4:34, 3000M – 9:46, 5000M – 17:06, 10000M- 36:15
5. Immediate and future goals.
The marathon is an exhausting event, so I must be very careful about how many I run in a year. My next goal is to run in the Boston Marathon on April 20, 2015. I hope to run around 2 hours and 38 minutes. After this marathon I hope to represent Sri Lanka at the World Track and Field Championships in China in August 2015. I have already achieved the standard necessary for these games. The 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janero is my loftiest future goal!
6. Would you like to represent Sri Lanka if given the opportunity?
I dream about the day I can bring Sri Lanka pride (since I was a child). I believe I have the talent and work ethic to compete alongside fellow countrymen and woman for positions on international teams. I hope that the Sri Lankan Athletics Association will see me as a valuable athlete and provide me an opportunity to compete for medals at National, Asian, and World championships. I am very willing to fly from USA for any competition I am invited to!