COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – At the 2024 Junior National Short Course Swimming Championship, S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia’s swimming prodigy, Dewvin Malawara Arachchi, stole the spotlight with an exceptional performance. The 14-year-old claimed four gold medals and a silver medal, setting a new junior national record in the process. His 23 points earned him the runner-up spot in the boys’ junior category.
While the Most Outstanding Swimmer of the Year Award wasn’t linked to his achievements at the Junior National Short Course Meet, Dewvin’s stellar accomplishments throughout the year earned him this prestigious honour at his school. The Dr. Vernon Wijerathna Shield was awarded to him for his overall excellence in swimming for S. Thomas’ College in 2024.
Trained by Janaka Prasad at the Colombo Swimming Academy, Dewvin has emerged as a long-distance specialist. His gold medal swims at the short course championships came in the 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle events, with his record-breaking feat in the 200m freestyle standing out. His only silver medal came in the 100m freestyle.
Dewvin’s incredible stamina and refined technique have made him a dominant figure in long-distance swimming.
Dewvin’s triumphs aren’t confined to the short course championships. Earlier in 2024, at the Long Course National Swimming Championship, he matched his medal tally with four golds and a silver, again breaking a junior national record in the 200m freestyle. These consistent performances throughout the year highlight his relentless work ethic and potential to shine in more competitive settings.
As Dewvin moves into the senior category in this year’s Long Course Nationals, he faces the challenge of competing against older and more seasoned swimmers. However, his accomplishments at just 14 years old suggest he is more than ready to embrace the challenge.
For S. Thomas’ College and the Colombo Swimming Academy, Dewvin’s rise is a source of immense pride. As he transitions to the next phase of his career, swimming enthusiasts across the country will watch eagerly.
