Record-Breaking Performances Shine on Day One of the 92nd Ritzbury Sir John Tarbat Senior Athletic Championship

The 92nd Ritzbury Sir John Tarbat Senior Athletic Championship 2024 kicked off in grand style yesterday, September 30th, at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo. This highly anticipated event brought together the best young athletes from across Sri Lanka, with several new competition records set on the opening day itself.

One of the standout performances came in the boys' under-18 200m event, where both J.O.S. Silva from St. Sebastian’s College, Kandana, and S.M.V.S. Rajakaruna from St. Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa, blazed their way to new competition records with an impressive time of 21.3 seconds (unofficial). Their joint achievement set the tone for what is sure to be an electrifying tournament, filled with displays of speed and determination.

In the girls' under-16 long jump event, Dilini Rajapaksha from Lyceum International School, Wattala, stole the show by leaping to a new competition record of 6.12 meters. Her exceptional performance has already begun generating buzz, as she is being hailed as a future star in Sri Lankan athletics, with her true potential beginning to emerge.

Adding to the record-breaking spree was V.P.N. Samadhi from Wijitha Vidyalaya, Dickwella, in the girls' under-18 high jump event. Samadhi cleared an impressive 1.69 meters, not only clinching victory but also setting a new competition benchmark. Her performance exemplifies the grit and dedication of the athletes competing at the meet.

The first day saw finals held in several events, and young athletes showcased their skills across multiple disciplines. Here are the winners from the finals held on September 30th:

Girls' Events:

• Under-20 5000m: M.G.N.P. Kumari (Walalla Rathnayake College) emerged victorious, displaying her endurance and determination.
• Under-18 3000m: M.G.T. Abhisheka from Gampola Wickramabahu College clinched the title in the long-distance event.
• Under-16 Triple Jump: L.D.Y.B. Balasuriya of Negombo Newstead College demonstrated great technique to win the event.
• Under-16 Discus Throw: K.W.S.H. Withanage of Ratnapura Seevali College took first place with a solid performance.
• Under-20 Triple Jump: G.S.D.D. Jayani from Negombo Newstead College impressed the crowd with her athletic prowess.

Boys' Events:

• Under-16 High Jump: S. Thribashith showed great precision to emerge as the champion.
• Under-18 Discus Throw: V. Vihas stood out with a powerful throw to claim the top spot.
• Under-20 Triple Jump: P.S.P. Sadanayake of Gampaha Bandaranayake College soared to victory with a remarkable effort.
• Under-16 Javelin Throw: H. Thilakarathna from Royal College secured the gold with a strong display.
• Under-20 Discus Throw: T.D.S.I. Ratnasiri from Balangoda Ananda Maithriya College triumphed with his winning throw.
• Under-18 Long Jump: T. Sandil from St. Peter's College, Colombo, took first place with an impressive leap.
• Under-18 3000m: E.K.G.Y.R. Wickramasinghe from Walalla Pathadumbara College displayed great stamina to cross the finish line first.
• Under-20 5000m: S. Thudhiharashidan of Matale Hindu College displayed exceptional endurance to emerge as the winner.

The first day of the meet not only highlighted the athleticism and dedication of these young competitors but also set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating championship. As records tumbled and dreams began to take shape, the athletes gave a glimpse of the bright future of Sri Lankan athletics. With many events yet to come, the excitement around this year's championship is only set to grow.

The Ritzbury Sir John Tarbat Senior Athletic Championship has once again proven to be a vital platform for young athletes to showcase their talents, aiming for national recognition and the hope of one day representing Sri Lanka on the world stage.