Youngsters shine at 86th Mount Lavinia Sea Swim
View(s):Leading the pack was Nirod Theekshana of Sri Devananda College, Ambalangoda, who clinched the Men’s Open 2 Mile Championship with a breathtaking performance. The 18-year-old swimmer surged ahead in the final stretch, finishing with a time of 45:35.08. His dominant victory earned him the highly sought-after Tomlinson Challenge Cup and John Wilson Challenge Cup. Theekshana showed his true grit, outpacing silver medalist Ninduwara Ekanayake of Dharmasoka College, who crossed the finish line at 45:49.21.
Dulaksha Ganidu of Lyceum International, Gampaha
In the Women’s Open race, D. Sehara Anuhansi of Sri Devananda College made waves, sealing her victory in style. Anuhansi’s flawless performance earned her the Dr. H.T. Anthonisz Challenge Cup and Dennis Flamer Caldera Challenge Cup. The young swimmer displayed a mix of speed and endurance, showing she could hold her own against the best, and reaffirmed her place as one of the top swimmers in the country.
The Under-15 Boys’ race was a nail-biter, with 14-year-old Dulaksha Ganidu of Lyceum International School, Gampaha making his mark. Ganidu reached the shore at 45:22.84, securing the Bata Challenge Cup and Diana Challenge Cup. It was a race full of heart, with Mark de Zylva and Sakindu Pigera of St. Joseph’s College pushing Ganidu to his limits. Ganidu held his ground, proving that he’s a force to be reckoned with in Sri Lankan swimming.
Nirodh Theekshana of Sri Devananda, Ambalangoda
In the Under-15 Girls’ race, Rushalee Dissanayake of Musaeus College left her competitors in the dust. Rushalee’s victory, with a time of 47:43.13, was nothing short of spectacular. She finished a full three minutes ahead of the pack, showing that she was in a class of her own. Her victory earned her the E.G.A. Wilson Challenge Cup, and she became the shining star of the day. Silver and bronze medals went to A.N. Sathsarani of Lyceum International School and Keyara Ranepura of Musaeus College, who also showed plenty of promise.
Rushalee Dissanayake of Musaeus College - Pix SLASU
The team events provided their own thrilling moments. Dharmasoka College took the gold in the Men’s Team Championship, bagging the Mount Lavinia Hotel Challenge Cup with 60 points, while Sri Devananda College took home the Women’s Team Championship and the Sri Lanka Chemical Industries Challenge Cup with 30 points.
In the Under-15 Boys’ Challenge Cup, St. Joseph’s College finished on top, followed by Lyceum International School, Gampaha and Sri Devananda College. For the Girls, Lyceum International School took the Tara Bolling Challenge Cup, edging out Dharmasoka College after a tight contest.
Sehara Anuhansi of Sri Devenanda, Ambalangoda