Susi’s inspiring autobiography launched By Zainab Hassen
View(s):Born on December 17, 1975, Susanthika Jayasinghe’s name is etched proudly in the Sri Lankan history books for her silver medal at the 2000 Olympics held in Sydney, quenching the country’s thirst after 52 years of a desperate drought since the great Duncan White brought home a silver at 1948 Olympics. She stormed past the barriers set by her unfortunate situation to prevail as the greatest athlete in modern Sri Lankan era.
Olympic medal winner Susanthika Jayasinghe with her offsprings at the book launch - Pic by Ishan Sanjeewa
Hailing from Atnawala in Warakapola, Kegalle, Susanthika, who specialised in the 100 and 200 metres sprints, is to this day remembered as the barefooted lass who emerged from a poor family in a small village 60 kilometres north of Colombo, where running spikes were unheard of and essentials like soap was a luxury .
At the press conference held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute last Wednesday Susanthika Jayasinghe celebrated the 15th anniversary of her Silver medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics as well as the launch of her website, her Sports Fund and the introduction of her autobiography titled ‘My Story’.
President Mithripala Sirisena, the current Minister of Sports Dayasiri Jayasekara, former Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Tony Campbell were the few of the many invitees to grace the event and show their support to Sri Lanka’s gem former sprint queen.
President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa in his speech said that if they had not fought for Susanthika Jayasinghe and saved her from baseless allegations over doping, Sri Lanka would have not won an Olympic Silver medal in 2000. Revealing a 15-year-old secret, Indatissa further said that she was subjected to doping tests due to interferences by unauthorised persons who didn’t follow proper procedures in an attempt to keep her out of athletics two years before she could win the Olympic silver medal. She has weathered many storms and is truly an inspiration to all young athletes.
“I want to set up the Susanthika Jayasinghe Athletic Academy because I want to help talented youngsters in our country to develop their skills to reach national and international levels. I know how much I had to suffer during my career. I want to ensure a better environment for the next generation of athletes so that they can go for Olympic medals one day. Steps have already been taken towards making this project a reality with the blessings of President Maithripala Sirisena,” said Susanthika addressing the gathering.
Susanthika launched her autobiography which is available in both Sinhala and English languages and these books takes readers through her difficult journey from her humble beginnings in her village to her silver medal to the birth of her children, all neatly penned to a flow.