CIS’s Mikhail, only male diver to qualify World Juniors
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Junior National Diving Champion Mikhail Jayaweera of CIS receiving his awards from former national diving champion Janaka Biyanwila
Colombo International School’s (CIS) Mikhail Jayaweera, Sri Lanka’s only male diver to qualify for the World Aquatic Junior Diving Championship, has once again grabbed attention by winning the Junior National title at the 48th National Diving Championship, organised by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU), concluded at the Air Force Swimming Pool Complex in Ratmalana.
Mikhail, who was the sole diver representing his school, led CIS to secure the overall runners-up title in the Junior National Division. The 15-year-old diver earned the Junior National Champion title for the second consecutive year with a stunning performance.
He clinched two gold medals—one in the 3m Springboard event, scoring 235.7 points, and another in the Platform event with 258.65 points. Additionally, he secured a silver medal in the 1m Springboard event, scoring 313.9 points. Jayaweera’s impressive haul of two gold and one silver medals, strengthened his dominance in the Junior National Championship.
Mikhail is ready to represent Sri Lanka at the World Aquatic Junior Diving Championship, scheduled from November 19 to December 2 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He will be joined by Vinudi Kankanamge, the only female diver from Sri Lanka to qualify.
Training under coach Chanaka Wickramasinghe since the age of 10, Jayaweera has steadily built his reputation. His former school, Royal College, witnessed his rise as the unbeaten age group champion in Under-10, Under-13, and Under-15 divisions. He has triumphed at national-level competitions, including the Age Group Diving Championship, All-Island Schools Games, and the National Diving Championship.
Mikhail has also represented Sri Lanka in three international competitions – the Hong Kong Invitational Diving Championship, the BIMSTEC Aquatic Championship in India, and the 14th Singapore National Diving Championship earlier this year and won medals.
“In his age group, Under-15, Mikhail is the best diver in Sri Lanka. He is one of the top three divers in the country and is training with world-standard diving techniques,” said coach Wickramasinghe.
“We are preparing for future international tournaments, with hopes for a medal at the 2025 Asian Championship and the 2025 Samoa Youth Commonwealth Games. The World Aquatic Junior Championship in Brazil will be a crucial experience for him,” he added.