South Asia’s fastest sprinter Yupun Abeykoon brought Sri Lanka Athletics to its knees and athletics enthusiasts on their toes before pulling out after starting the highly anticipated 100 metres on day two of the National Athletics Championship at Diyagama on Wednesday.
With no male athlete reaching qualifying standards for the Olympics, Sri Lanka Athletics took desperate measures to give Yupun a chance. And scheduled the men’s 100 metres on days convenient for the Italy based sprinter who was recovering from a minor injury, to gain maximum points at the Nationals. Their scheduling has forced local sprinters to compete in the 100 metres and 200 metres finals on the same day. That was not something their women’s counterparts had to face.
From the time he arrived at the stadium he received VIP treatment. While all other athletes warmed up at the designated dimly lit warm up track under the pavilion, Yupun was reserved a special area in the main competition track for his warm up at his request.
It was his first meet on home soil in years and also his first after becoming the first South Asian to clock sub 10 seconds. The entire stadium rose to witness his heat and was greeted with cheers when he arrived only to be disappointed when he pulled out after the first few metres.
