ANC student Reshika looks to shine at Olympics
The young and vibrant Reshika Udugampola, an undergraduate student at American National College will take part in the most prestigious gaming event in the world: the Olympics Games. The four-time national swimming record holder is set to leap to her biggest milestone by being the youngest Sri Lankan representative at the 2012 summer Olympics, when she competes in the 100m freestyle.
Her interest in swimming began when Reshika was taken for swimming lessons with her sister, almost over ten years ago. Recalling the incident, she said that her sister was advised to swim, as a remedy for her asthma attacks and therefore she was dragged along by her mum. As her sister’s health improved she decided to stop the sport. However, Reshika insisted on continuing.
Her parents had identified her talent and love for swimming and encouraged her to pursue it further with extra effort and passion, and to take it more seriously.
With the coaching of Julian Bowling, Reshika thrived at junior levels participating in many events and winning her first national medal. Thereafter, under the guidance of Mr. Wilson, she represented her country at the South Asian Games in 2010 and also at the Asian Age Group event.
The highlights of her swimming career were when she was placed first in the overall National Championship and when she participated at the World Championships in China and Dubai in which she set a national record in the 50m butterfly. Reshika also participated in the Pentathlon in the Under 19 World Championships, breaking four national records. Early this year she flew to Australia for a six-month training programme. Reshika identifies her parents and friends as her biggest sources of motivation.
ANC Education offered Reshika the most ideal situation, allowing her to do a founda- tion programme rather than the Advanced Level, which would have forced her to sacrifice her career in swimming. The programme at ANC helps her balance both her desire to becoming a better swimmer with her ambition to become a business leader.
Reshika’s plan in swimming is to utilize the latest techniques and technology, such as stroke techniques and corrections, and underwater camera sessions, to bring out the strengths of Sri Lankan swimmers. She herself was exposed to these facilities whilst at a training programme in Australia. Reshika believes that faith and an attitude of ‘not giving up’ is what brings out the best in an individual.ANC Education with their Student Council carried out a blessing and felicitation ceremony for their student Reshika, wishing her strength and courage to bring home a gold medal.