Splash: watchout for Sean Lee

By Ruhanie Perera and Laila Nasry

This is the story of a little boy who was mortally scared of water. He loved to watch his cousins swim in the sea but would never venture to join them. On family holidays he used to be thrown into the pool much to his dismay. Yet it was those 'splashes' that changed his life forever.

Years later, the story is entirely different. Now as an 18-year-old, Sean Lee is one of Sri Lanka's most promising young swimmers and the new captain of the Sri Lankan swimming contingent for the SAF Games.

Sean started swimming when he was eight under the guidance of coach Shirley Abeysekera. His favourite stroke then was the free style but later he moved on to back stroke, then to individual medley and now he is back to his pet stroke free style, specialising in mid-distance swimming (200m and 400m).

Many coaches had a hand in moulding Sean to the swimmer he is today, including Ranil Gunasena, Mr. Serasinghe and presently Julian Bolling. "It was Shirley Abeysekera who taught me the basics of swimming," said Sean and "I broke a record for the first time when I was training with Ranil Gunasena." Mr. Serasinghe, he says, modified his style and finally Julian Bolling trained him in competitive swimming. Each one of them has contributed to making Sean the successful swimmer that he is today.

His first experience of competitive swimming was in 1989 when he represented his then alma mater St Joseph's College in the novices category. It was a memorable meet for young Sean, for he was placed second in the race. This was just the beginning to more memorable meets, for the following year saw Sean, then nine, break a record in 50 metres free style which stands to date.

In 1992, he represented Sri Lanka at the Asia-Pacific swimming meet in China, winning one bronze medal and a diploma. In Sri Lanka, he participated in the age group swimming championships, public schools meets and national meets and to date he is the proud winner of one bronze medal, nine diplomas and holds 18 records. He also took part in the two- mile sea swim for three consecutive years and was the youngest swimmer to participate in 1991-being just ten.

In 1996 the meet in Taiwan proved unforgettable for he broke three records in 400m individual medley, 400m free style and 1500m free style, plus won three diplomas.

Taking part in meets does not only mean extensive training to Sean; it also means preparation in many other ways. Before a meet he cuts down on fats and sugar-laden foods and instead takes in more proteins and carbohydrates - "It's all about building up energy." He does not have any role models who inspire him, but depends on the strength and encouragement his parents and his schools - St. Joseph's College and Asian International School, have to offer. However, he does watch tapes of champion swimmers to better his own technique.

This is the second time Sean is representing Sri Lanka at the SAF Games, the first being in Madras in 1997. Unlike the previous time when he was just a participant and it was "very much of an experience," this time is different and in many ways more demanding, for he has a greater responsibility on his shoulders as captain of the team. To Sean, encouraging the team is of utmost importance. He is determined to make this time 'different'.

Having been placed fourth previously he hopes to bag a medal this time.

Sean is still to do his London A/Ls and hopes to pursue his studies in business management in the States while continuing his swimming.

Sean Lee is one determined guy. He is one who got over his initial fears and went onto conquer them; one who took part in a sea swim despite having been attacked by jellyfish at practice and can laugh over the incident; one who finds each meet he takes part in, a new challenge and is exhilarated by it; one who has it in his power to make his life a success story.

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