Sandamini breaks second long jump record within a month

Ave Maria Convent, Negambo thrower Sewmini Nathali, Good Shepherd Convent, Panadura jumper Sandamini Silva and St. Aloysius’, Ratnapura hurdler T.O.V. Ariyawansa set new meet records while one of the oldest records was equaled by Dahamsa Kahangama of Sumana Balika, Ratnapura on day two of the Sir John Tarbet Junior Athletics Championship at Anuradhapura on Thursday.

Sandamini proved beyond doubt that she has what it takes to be a future prospect as she cleared 4.79 metres to establish a new meet record in the Under-12 girls’ long jump. Competing on wet ground conditions she was below her personal best but still managed to make a notable jump to break the 14- year old record (4.53m) held by K.U. Kariyawasam of Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo.

It was the second long jump record created by Sandamini within this month. The athlete coached by Prasanna Perera cleared 4.89 metres to establish a meet record at the All Island Schools Games Athletics Championship early this month.

Ariyawansa clocked 11.2 seconds to break the Under 15 Boys’ 80 metres hurdles record held by A.G.A. Srimal of Berrewaerts College, Kandy.

Nathali set the 15 Girls Shot Putt record when she cleared 9.87 metres. Previous record (9.55m) was held by W.S.M. Fernando of Lyceum International, Wattala.

Dahamsa Kahangama of Sumana Balika, Ratnapura clocked 12.6 seconds to equal the Under 15 Girls 80 metres hurdles. The record established by S. Perera of St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo in 2004 was also equaled in 2008 by K. Perera of Holy Family Convent, Colombo. (RF)