NUGEGODA: (ePRESS) – Chanudi Kumarapperuma, an outstanding athlete from Lyceum International School Nugegoda, excelled at the 48th National Age Group Swimming Championship organized by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU). Competing in her favoured events, Kumarapperuma claimed two new meet records and clinched a total of six medals, establishing her status as a rising star in Sri Lankan swimming.
In the Under-17 age group category, Kumarapperuma’s remarkable performance earned her three gold medals and three silver medals. She set new meet records in her pet events, the 100m butterfly and 200m butterfly, excelling in these disciplines. With her eyes set on representing Sri Lanka in international competitions, Kumarapperuma’s achievements at the national level highlight her potential to shine in international competitions.
Her medal haul included gold in the 100m butterfly, 200m butterfly, and 200m freestyle, along with silver in the 50m freestyle, 50m butterfly, and 100m freestyle. These victories not only brought glory to Kumarapperuma but also contributed significantly to Lyceum Nugegoda’s success in the championship.
Although Kumarapperuma narrowly missed out on the top spot in her age group, finishing as the runner-up to Australian-based swimmer Sayesha Anthony, her remarkable performance earned her admiration and accolades. Anthony secured 25 points, while Kumarapperuma closely followed with 24 points. Lyceum Nugegoda’s commendable 15th place finish out of 52 participating schools and clubs highlights the collective effort and talent nurtured within the institution.
Kumarapperuma’s journey in swimming has been guided by dedicated coaches, Ruwan Manawadu and Dr. Kaushal Manawadu. Starting her training under the guidance of Chamara Waduge at early development laid the foundation for her future success in the sport.
Notable milestones in Kumarapperuma’s swimming career include setting the Junior National Record in the girls’ 100m butterfly event and breaking a 25-year-old record in the Sri Lanka Schools Under-12 category in 2019. Her exceptional performance at the Inter-International School Swimming Championship further cemented her reputation as a formidable competitor.
Kumarapperuma’s achievements extend beyond national borders, as she proudly represented Sri Lanka at the BIMSTEC Youth Aquatic Championship in India, where she contributed to her country’s success by winning a bronze medal in the 4x100m freestyle relay. Additionally, she participated in the 11th Age Group Swimming Championship in the Philippines in December last year.
Notably, Kumarapperuma’s dedication and endurance were exemplified by her victory in the Two Mile Sea Swim, a proof to her commitment to continuous improvement. Dr. Kaushal Manawadu, her coach, emphasized Kumarapperuma’s strategic focus on enhancing her performance in the 100m butterfly and 200m butterfly events, which are her primary targets for future competitions. He highlighted her efforts to develop her endurance, essential for excelling in these demanding disciplines.
“Her primary targets are to further develop her skills in the 100m Butterfly and 200m Butterfly events, aiming for success in the upcoming World Championship or Commonwealth Games. Other events serve as supportive avenues to contribute points for the school. Furthermore, she is dedicated to enhancing her endurance levels, evident in her recent triumph in the Two Mile Sea Swim,” stated Dr. Kaushal Manawadu.
