Shenuki Edirimuni is a talented athlete in the Sri Lanka sports arena. She is involved in three types of sports. The Youth Observer caught up with her to discuss her talents.
Her father Anusha Sanjeewa Edirimuni is a journalist and mother Krishanti Kulasooriya, a novelist. She is the second child in the Edirimuni family.
“I was born in Colombo on December 24, 2002. I have one elder sister and one younger brother. I have a lovely family and we live very happily,” said Shenuki.
Her elder sister’s name is Ishini Oasha, a student in a private university pursuing a degree in science. She is very busy with her studies.
“I have a very small brother. He is four years old. His name is Abimanyu,” she said.
“I am an old student of Bishop College. In my school days I was involved in gymnastics. As a small kid I loved that sport. My parents told me that when I was small I would jump and dance like a gymnastic player. They thought that I would definitely become a gymnast one day. It became true after I began schooling,” said Shenuki.
Her gymnastic skills blossomed as she grew up.
“In 2015 at the National Sports Games, I won a gold medal in the Balanced Beam. Then I won a gold medal in the balanced beam in the under-17 age category.”
After that win she became third placed in national rankings.
“I had a chance to represent the country in the Youth Commonwealth Games in 2016. We were placed fourth in the team event,” she said, reminiscing her first international achievement.
This paved the way for her to take part in the Asian Championship in 2017.
“In 2014, when I was 12, I thought of taking up another sport. My parents and teachers encouraged me and I took to diving,” Shenuki said.
Four years after she entered the new sport, she became a national champion in that event. It was like a miracle and also extraordinary skill that Shenuki was showing as a sportsman.
“In 2018, I won the national age limit championship and after one year I became national diving champion,” she said.
She had become the national champion in two sports, gymnastics and diving. At that time, her coaches advised her to build up her strength well. Following that advice she thought of taking up powerlifting sports as well.
The year 2018 was special for her as she took up powerlifting in a big way. Following hard training, within three years, she was able to win three Gold medals in the 47 kg category, while setting up two records.
She was the youngest powerlifter to achieve that victory.
“My parents encouraged me to get involved in sports. I want to collect victories for my country in the international arena. I believe I can do it. However, taking part in international events is expensive and my parents cannot afford to bear my expenses. This is a barrier to continue my sports life,” she said.
“I had a chance to represent the country in the Asian Powerlifting Tournament in Turkey.But I faced a financial barrier for this tour. I think I can perform better and win medals in powerlifting in the international arena,” Shenuki said.
Talking about her future plans she said, “I hope to take up another sport. I would love to become the national champion in four types of sports,” she said laughing.
What is the sport that you are thinking of taking up?
“I would love to start bodybuilding. I hope to improve my skills gradually and become a strength and conditioning coach in the future,” Shenuki said.
“I also have a dream to launch a sports centre for people who need special care in our society. At the end of my competitive career, I hope to make that dream a reality,” she said.
Shenuki needs over one hundred thousand rupees for her sports activities.
“My father and mother did it as best as they could. But I know it is a difficult task for them. To maintain my status in sports I have to follow a special diet. I also have to buy the air tickets out of my own pocket when participating in international events,” she said.
She thanked gymnastic coaches Anton Dias and Tharidu Perera, the diving coach Chanaka Wikramasinghe and her powerlifting coach Ransilu Jayathilaka for helping her to develop her sports career.
The Youth Observer wishes her success in her future sports activities.
