Kenul Dulmin Meeallage of Lyceum International School Wattala is an athlete who has come up a long way in the sprint events. He will be 15-years old next month and has already established himself in his favourite events by breaking many records at age group meets and the Sir John Tarbat Junior championships held over the years.
“I first did sports such as swimming, karate and basketball from the age of ten years. I have won a gold medal in Karate at a junior tournament,” said Kenul.
Being a person who was involved in sports he was noted for his talent as a good runner. He was spotted by the athletic coach at school who invited him to take part in the sprint events from a tender age of 12 years.
His school teacher at Lyceum named Damayanthi was the first to spot him for his ability to run well. Kenul then began training regularly in athletics under the teacher and began winning in the sprint events such as the 100 and 200m. However, being a sprinter he was also asked to try his third event in long jump in which he also excelled.
“My new coach is Umanga under whom I train six days of the week. My mother takes me to Torrington Square ground at 5.30 a.m. and train until 9 a.m. My school has granted me leave to train and allows me to turn up at school late for other classes,” added Kenul.
Being involved in sports from the young age of under-ten years, Kenul was physically fit and caught the technique in running rather quickly.
“My main event is the 100m but I do the 200 and the long jump occasionally. I want to establish myself in athletics and improve on my timings as well,” said Kenul.
However, no athlete goes without an injury and Kenul has suffered a hamstring injury slightly. This can be a major obstacle if not treated and cured early on.
“I have to peak further and I have taken some good treatment for the hamstring injury. I have also taken treatment from a physiotherapist and I feel quite well now,” noted Kenul.
He has an elder brother who supports him along with his parents. At 5 feet 7 inches tall Kenul can achieve better timings as the years go by.
“I want to establish myself in athletics and intend to go for an Olympic Games in the future,” wished Kenul.