Indigenous athlete takes on Ironman with a splash
It’s not too difficult to distinguish Thalawarige Punchibanda amongst the throngs of swimmers thrashing the waves at Galle Face as they prepare for the Ironman 70.3 Colombo to be held next week. The internationally acclaimed triathlon has attracted an array of competitors each with their own unique story behind the grit and resilience needed to be an ‘Ironman’. Thalawarige Punchibanda is no different. As the swimmers freestyle back to shore, his own distinct technique stands out, as do his long locks and friendly smile and attitude as he stops to pose for selfies or helps a child up the rickety ladder from the beach to the Green before taking a bus back to his village in Henanigala.
His first sea swim: A triumphant Punchibanda emerges from the water. Pix by Indika Handuwala
That Sunday in January was the first time he had ever swum in the sea; a completely new experience for the unique competitor who happens to be the only indigenous participant in the event.
Thalawarige Punchibanda is a descendant of Veddah Chief Uruwarige Wannila Aththo, originally hailing from Dambana, and later making a home in the Henanigala Veddah re-settlement (in Mahaweli systems off Mahiyangane). His passion for sports began while he was in school, watching one of the senior boys “Upasena” bagging awards for his athletic feats. “I knew I wanted to do that too,” he says. Armed with a positive attitude and his new goal, he tried his hand at all the track and field events, but couldn’t find his niche in any. Chance led him to what would become his forte when he was pushed in as a last minute replacement for a marathon. Having never run such a long distance before “I just went for it.” He won the race.
Marathons and other long distance events became his favourites, and he was soon taking part in competitions beyond school level. While doing the marathon (around 21 km) at the Mahaweli Sports Festival, the then 24-year -old caught the eye of trainer Janaka Prasanna Bandara, who has since been his mentor.
The 35-year-old athlete has had a good run over the last decade. His prowess in long distance running motivated other younger Veddah athletes to pursue sports in his former school and village. The requirement for a much needed bicycle led to Thalawarige Punchibanda appearing on a segment on Swarnavahini with the help of his trainer Janaka Bandara. Little did he know that his request for help would lead him to another trainer who would widen his sporting horizons and open his life to swimming prowess as well.
Julian Bolling
“One of my coaches who knew I was involved with (the) Ironman showed me the video,” says Julian Bolling, the celebrated Lankan swimmer and coach who was surprised by Thalawarige Punchibanda’s ability. After tracing the video to a Swarnavahini correspondent, Julian found himself travelling through the jungle in a 4×4 to his house. The humble athlete had never heard of Bolling before.
“He told me I was talented,”Punchibanda says and after explaining to him how he came across the video in the first place, Bolling then said the words the Veddah athlete would never forget. “He told me he had a challenge for me,” -the Ironman 70.3 which the ever-optimistic athlete accepted without batting as much as an eyelid.
Ready to take the bus back home: Punchibanda leaving Galle Face after training
Although running and cycling were second nature to him, he had never learnt the traditional techniques of swimming, but had grown up with a love for the water, swimming in the lake bordering his village. As a fisherman, balancing his training schedule with his work should have been a challenge, but the positive minded athlete merely combined the two. The 18 km distance between his home and the lake became his track. His strength and endurance training comes from paddling his boat he demonstrates, waving his arms in strong imaginary strokes.
On January 21- the day of his first practice swim, he finished the course within the allocated time with his own unique technique. “I was scared to do it, but also determined,” he admits, having waded into the sea twice before on a trip to Kataragama, but never having been more than waist deep in the water.
His unusual technique doesn’t bother Julian who instead sees Thalawarige Punchibanda’s style as a micro reflection of Ironman as a whole. “What I’ve learnt about Ironman is that it’s about combining everything,” each athlete pushing on at his own pace. For the illustrious sportsman, the event also brings together the multitude of unique athletes. “We have lost sight of fellowship”- the most important part of any sport for Julian.
The chance encounters which brought together coaches like Julian and athletes like Punchibanda and the visually impaired athletes taking part this year have opened new doors of perspective for all, as the Veddah athlete hopes to hang up his sneakers and coach youngsters back home in swimming instead.
For Julian the experience “has been a blessing,” he says humbly.
IRONMAN 70.3 will take off on February 25 and will begin at 6.15 a.m. (rolling start) at the Galle Face Green.