Yupun in action today at Stockholm Diamond League
Sprinter Yupun Abeykoon is set to test his mettle once more tonight at the Stockholm Diamond League in pursuit of securing a spot at the Paris Olympics this year. He is scheduled to compete at 20.36 Sri Lanka time.
The line-up include Blake Jerome from Canada, Coby Hilton from USA and five Swedish athletes.
The 100m specialist, based in Italy, has entered in to the ‘Road to Paris 24’ Olympic rankings, currently standing at the 87th position. This follows his stellar performances at the Anhalt Athletics Championship last week.
To secure his ticket to the Paris Olympics, Abeykoon must either clock 10.00 seconds or enhance his ranking to break into the top 48. Having missed out on competition last year due to injury, Abeykoon aimed for five outstanding performances in 2024 to earn his place in the Olympic rankings.
Notably, the bronze medalist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games made history as the first South Asian athlete to achieve a sub 10.00-second run, recording an impressive 9.96 seconds in Switzerland in 2022.
The Sri Lanka athletics authorities have extended their support to Abeykoon, ensuring his participation in the 102nd National Athletics Championships. This opportunity will enable him to accumulate maximum ranking points, further enhancing his chances of Olympic qualification.