Susanthika turns 50 in Australia

By Susil Premalal

Former Sri Lankan Olympic silver medalist Susanthika Jayasinghe celebrated her 50th birthday yesterday (December 17) in Australia, marking a significant milestone in the life of one of the greatest athletes Sri Lanka and South Asia has produced. Born on December 17, 1975, in the village of Athnawala, Warakapola, Susanthika rose from humble beginnings to etch her name in Olympic history and remains the only Sri Lankan and South Asian athlete to win an Olympic medal in a track sprint event, a feat that continues to inspire generations of young athletes. Jayasinghe secured the silver medal in the women’s 200 metres at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, delivering Sri Lanka’s second-ever Olympic medal and the country’s first since the historic silver won by hurdler Duncan White in 1948. Her achievement not only elevated Sri Lanka on the global athletics stage but also marked a defining moment for women’s sport in the region.