COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – National swimming squad member Sithuki Yonara from Asian International School set a new meet record while leading her team’s charge at the All-Island National School Games Swimming Championship, which concluded at the Sugathadasa Stadium Swimming Pool Complex on Friday.
Competing in the Under-18 age category, AIS swimming captain Yonara won two gold medals, excelling in the Girls Under-18 200m Backstroke and 50m Backstroke events. The 17-year-old swimmer made headlines by breaking the previous meet record in the 200m Backstroke, finishing with a stunning time of 2:37.66, slashing eight seconds off the old record of 2:45.69, which was set by Buddhima Samadhi from Defence Services College in 2023. Notably, Yonara defeated Samadhi, who finished with a time of 2:41.96.
In addition to her record-breaking performance, Yonara clinched her second gold medal in the Girls Under-18 50m Backstroke, finishing with a time of 34.22 seconds.
The AIS team also saw success with Muaaz Bary, who secured a silver medal in the Boys Under-16 200m Individual Medley. In a thrilling photo finish, Bary clocked 2:28.91, just behind gold medalist DY Malawara Arachchi from S. Thomas’ College, who finished in 2:28.35.
Additionally, Nethuka Perera earned a bronze medal in the Boys Under-16 100m Freestyle, finishing with a time of 59.22 seconds. The performance of the AIS swimming team at the All Island Schools Games Swimming Championship exhibits their talent and dedication in the pool.
