Born: 1975 (Ethnawala, Warakapola, Uduwaka, Sri Lanka)
Biography:
Susanthika Jayasinghe, born on December 17, 1975, in Ethnawala, Warakapola, Uduwaka, Sri Lanka, is a retired sprinter who specialized in the 100 and 200 meters. She is considered one of the most decorated sprinters in Sri Lanka and has left an indelible mark on the history of Asian athletics.
Born into a poor family in a small village, Jayasinghe faced numerous challenges from an early age. Her father, who worked as a bus driver at the Ceylon Transport Board, lost his job by the time she was born. It was then that her mother took on the role of the family’s primary breadwinner, cutting rubber trees to support them. Despite their financial struggles, Jayasinghe’s mother did everything she could to provide for her children.
Jayasinghe’s athletic journey began when she was noticed by an army officer who recognized her potential. He encouraged her to take up athletics, and she soon discovered her talent for sprinting. However, her lack of access to proper sports equipment and coaches proved to be a significant obstacle. Running spikes, for example, cost more than the average month’s wage in her village.
Undeterred, Jayasinghe’s determination and natural ability propelled her forward. She attended Uduwaka Junior School for her primary education and later transferred to Athnawala Maha Vidyalaya to continue her studies. Despite the hardships she faced, Jayasinghe pursued her dream relentlessly.
In 1996, Jayasinghe made her first Olympic appearance, representing Sri Lanka at the Atlanta Games. Although she did not win a medal, it was only the beginning of her international success. Four years later, in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Jayasinghe made history by becoming the second Sri Lankan to win an Olympic medal and the first Asian woman to claim an Olympic or World Championship medal in a sprint event. She secured the silver medal in the 200m event, solidifying her place in the annals of Asian athletics.
Her achievement was not just significant for Sri Lanka but for the entire Asian continent. Jayasinghe remains the only Asian athlete to have won an Olympic medal in sprint events. Her silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics stood as the only Olympic medal for a South Asian in an athletics event for 21 years until Neeraj Chopra’s gold medal achievement at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
In addition to her Olympic success, Jayasinghe also became the first and only Sri Lankan to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships. Her remarkable achievements on the international stage brought her fame and recognition, establishing her as one of the most prominent figures in Sri Lankan sports.
However, Jayasinghe’s career was not without its challenges. Throughout her career, she faced political controversies, false doping allegations, and had several standoffs with politicians and sports officials. Despite these obstacles, she remained dedicated to her sport, continuously striving for excellence.
Jayasinghe’s personal life was also marked by difficulties. She endured a troubled marriage and faced injury concerns that sidelined her for a significant part of her career. Nevertheless, she overcame these obstacles and continued to make significant contributions to Sri Lankan athletics.
Jayasinghe’s impact extends beyond her achievements on the track. She has become an inspiration and role model for aspiring athletes, particularly women, in Sri Lanka and across Asia. Her dedication, resilience, and determination have left an indelible mark on the history of women’s sports.
Awards:
– Olympic Silver Medal, 2000 Sydney Olympics (200m event)