Sports

Sports

Thoughts of a Champ
By Bernie Wijesekera
Literally, Julian Bolling was born to swim. Hailing from a sporting fraternity taking to sport was only natural for young Bolling. His mother Tara being a swimming legend in her own inimitable style, and being the swimming coach of Royal College, Julian took to water even before a duck would have done it.
Besides his mom his father Ralph, an old Josephian was an outstanding cricketer, who later took up to planting, which cut short his cricketing career. Julian is also the grandson of late Col. F.C. de Saram, a cricketing legend who excelled for Royal, SSC and for Sri Lanka. FC, he never failed to speak out his mind.

On a balmy afternoon The Sunday Times disturbed this busy man and pulled him out of the NCC pool where he was shaping up the swimmers for the next generation. As simple as he is he started reluctantly but gathered momentum as the chat went by. Julian started “I took up to swimming as a leisure sport. Of course my Amma was a top class swimmer and was the swimming coach at Royal College. My other two brothers David and Jeremy, too learnt the skills through her. My parents gave us all the encouragement and support.

With total commitment and the right attitude inculcated by them we took the sport very seriously”Julian continued “As a schoolboy with brothers David, Jeremy and Timothy Spleldewinde we formed a foursome and did proud for Royal. I broke the national record in the 4 x 200M Free Style held by the Sri Lanka National team. We also helped Sri Lanka in a big way in the 1991 SAF Games held here where we won six medals. In the individual events I improved my personal best times. As a schoolboy, I took part in the Asiad from1982-86, I reached the finals on six occasions in 1,500M Free Style but I didn't win a medal. But in1986 Asiad in South Korea, I bettered the time of the previous Silver medalist of 1982. The Asiad was very competitive with some of the best international swimmers vying for honours”.

Speaking about his setbacks Julian said “I had a turbulent period for about five years to find my rhythm. It's part and parcel of life. With mental toughness I did well to overcome them.” “My swimming idol is Vladimir Salinikov, the Russian swimmer (dual record holder) in the Olympics - 1,500M. He won the Gold in 1980. Russia boycotted the 1984 Olympics. Imagine he came back in 1988 to win the 'Gold'. It showed his determination. He inspired me a lot. Swimming is popular among the youth, be it in the South on North
Then on how he is involved in helping the Tsunami affect he said “It's a traumatic experience for them.

I joined forces with others on humanitarian grounds to help them regain their confidence. Resurrect their shattered morale. That's what we are doing to bring them back to normalcy”. “Today, I am the head coach of the Rainbow Aquatic Club. It's over 15 years. My mother Tara is the founder member of this club. My brother David is the co-director at the Rainbow Academy.

About Sri Lanka swimming at present and it's standards and how to improve it, Julian lamented “It has to be a concerted effort. We are unable to keep them in the sport for a longer period. There are no incentives for the swimmers to be in continuity unlike in other sports like cricket and rugby etc. Especially when they are rural youth, the talent is there. Right now there is not much to look forward to. Ironically at present we are far behind India and even Pakistan. We will have to do a lot more to be competitive at the SAF games next year, when it’s held here”.

Commenting about the achievement of Andrew Abeysinghe, the 14-year-old swimming prodigy who broke a record of his that stood for fifteen years Julian said “He is a good swimmer and a future young prospect who has the ability, strength and stamina. There are others too in the cupboard. I am happy he broke my 15-year-old record 200M Individual Medley Relay. I achieved it in the 1991 SAF Games here. It's good for the betterment of swimming. He left on October 26 for Ohio (USA)” Said Julian in conclusion.

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