Susanthika wins 100 metres gold
Namal Pathirage reporting from Amman, Jordan
Susanthika Jayasinghe clocked an amazing personal best of 11.9 seconds and clinched the 100 metres gold medal with ease as expected at the 16th Asian Athletics championships here yesterday.
The 31-year old Olympic and world championship medallist proved that age has not slowed her down and her personal best comes at a shocking moment when she is making a comeback after an injury.
Another factor that enhanced the value of her performance was that she achieved this excellent timing despite the lack of competition at the championships, hit by the absence of enthusiasm from competitors and a deluge of high profile withdrawals.
After her victory, Jayasinghe claimed that she had only a lukewarm interest in the championships but decided to take part as her fans might develop a misunderstanding about her. She said she was disappointed by the lack of challenge, and said it would only be a matter of time before she completes a gold medal in the 200 metres.
Jayasinghe who took part in Asian championships for the last time in the 2002 edition in Colombo, said however that her real goal was a gold medal at the forthcoming world championships in Japan next month. Jayasinghe won a silver medal in 100 metres at the Asian Games last December in Qatar.
Sri Lanka’s Umanga Surendra finished sixth in the men’s 100 metres sprint clocking 10.36. Qatar’s Samuel Francis who set up a record in the first round further improved his record and clocked a magnificent 9.99 seconds to win the event. Sri Lanka won a second medal at the championships yesterday when Nadeeka Lakmali claimed the bronze in the women’s javelin with a throw of 52.59 metres. Lakmali, the only athlete from Sri Lanka at the championships taking part in field events, is a 25 year old hailing from Kahaduwa MV. She is taking part and is coached by A.G. Rodrigo.
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