‘High expectations should come with high support’
Sri Lanka’s marathon hero Hiruni dreams of flying Lion flag in Tokyo Olympics
Big goals drive us forward and Sri Lanka’s women’s marathoner Hiruni Wijayaratne may be yet to qualify for the world’s biggest sporting event-- the Olympics but she dreams of doing her bit to fly the Lion flag high at the Tokyo Olympic Stadium.
Sri Lanka last won an Olympic medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics when Susanthika Jayasinghe clocked a magnificent 22.28 secs to win 200m silver--country’s only the second Olympic medal.
“I want to see the Lion flag fly high inside the Olympic stadium in Tokyo. Big goals drive us forward. I want to show the world that Sri Lanka has talent and capabilities in all aspects - on sport and otherwise,” says USA- based Sri Lankan long distance champion athlete Hiruni Wijayaratne who has a burning desire of fulfilling her Olympic dream this year.
It is not fuelled by just individual glory but also driven by a passion to inspire youth, particularly in Sri Lanka where she received her early education at St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo before migrating to USA at a young age.
“As you may know my journey has not been easy. I have fallen down many times to stand up higher each time. I hope this can be a lesson to the younger generation. Falling down is part of time. Don’t stay down,” said the Sri Lankan-American dual citizen who created history at the 13th South Asian Games in Nepal by becoming the first woman athlete from Sri Lanka to win the marathon gold.
She banished the demons of failing to finish for the second time at the IAAF World Athletics Championship in the scorching heat of Doha in September by scaling the Everest of marathons and proudly wrapping the Sri Lanka flag like an exuberant schoolgirl after clocking a winning time of 2 hours, 41 minutes and 24 seconds.
Her first attempt to qualify for the 2020 Olympics will be at the Houston Marathon where in 2018 she achieved set a Sri Lanka record of 2:36.35.
“I will start with the Houston Marathon on January 19. This is my first attempt to qualify for the Olympics. Then I have a last chance marathon scheduled for April 26 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Same location I achieved the South Asian record last year,” said Hiruni who finished second clocking a personal best of 2:34.10.
“Beyond this I want to break to the 5000,10000, half marathon and marathon national records in 2020. So I will select competitions accordingly,” said Hiruni in response to an interview emailed to the Sunday Times on her schedule this year year leading up to the summer Olympics in Japan.
In a Facebook post before the dawn of a new decade, Hiruni described 2019 as a “remarkable year” having won her first national championship (5000 and 10000) and international medal for Sri Lanka.
“Hard work always pays off, humility should be practiced daily, disappointment is part of the game. Don’t let it stop you. Learn every day. Believe in yourself fiercely,” she wrote as her credo.
Never one to never sit on her laurels, more significantly she displayed empathy for a fellow athlete from the land of her birth by sacrificing the 5000 metre race at SAG.
“I am so happy Nilani made such great use of the opportunity in the 5000. I don’t see it as a sacrifice personally because there was no loss. Only gain and happiness for her, me and our country,” said Hiruni.
She was however hugely disappointed at having to forego the 10,000m event because of administrative bungling at SAG.
“The incident in the 10,000 was sad. That gold medal should have been mine. There were many times at SAG where things were not as to plan - not just my event. I hope organizers and responsible authorities understand the importance of planning so that the athletes can do our jobs,” she said.
“In the end I still left Nepal with my ultimate goal of winning gold. I thank god, and every single person who have believed in me. It was a miracle and a major turning point in my life,” said the 29-year-old Colorado-based athlete.
Looking back at 2019, what were the highs and lows if any?
“Highs definitely have to be winning SAG gold, winning my first two national championships and setting the current South Asian marathon record. I have one event I consider a low but a big learning lesson. The world championship marathon in Doha. Of course I could not complete the event which was most disappointing. However it’s made me realise that obstacles are part of life and a person’s reaction is what is important,” she said.
To a query as to how supportive the National Olympic Committee ( NOC) who talk about High Performance, and the Ministry of Sports, been or conversely what she expects from these authorities, Hiruni articulated: “I believe that high expectations should come with high support. Athletics is not an expensive sport. Simple things like proper shoes, training gear, physio therapy help, and nutrition aid go a long way.”
“Of course, I can’t speak of how the NOC and Sport Ministry have treated everyone. For me, the authorities provided a small stipend for SAG selection. This is the only support I have received to date from Sri Lanka. I work 60 hours a week, in a demanding job so I can support myself. It’s not easy but I cannot rely on someone else sending me financial assistance,” said Hiruni, who has a Masters in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing.
Asked whether there was a possibility of getting a wildcard entry to Tokyo, she said: “I am not sure about this. If this was a possibility I hope the authorities responsible will make the best decision of which athlete to send.”
Hiruni Wijayaratne is on the cusp of achieving her lifetime dream and is grateful for the support she receives from her adoring fans.
“A few years ago I was ready to walk away from this sport forever. Glad I didn’t shut the door. Deeply thankful for everyone who continues to believe in me. I’m ready for more sweaty hugs, post race laughs, birthday parties, and opportunities to raise the Sri Lanka flag high,” she wrote sounding a positive note on her Facebook post.