Sub 10 runner to be in action on SL soil for the first time
|Italy-based sprinter Yupun Abeykoon is making his return to the local track after five years having last competed here in 2019.
Abeykoon, a Tokyo Olympian and South Asian record holder, boasts a personal best of 9.96 seconds in the 100m.
His participation marks the first time a sub-10-second 100m runner competes on Sri Lankan soil.
Unfortunately, Abeykoon battled injuries this season and couldn’t secure his Olympic qualification for Paris 2024 yet. To achieve qualification, he must either clock under 10.00 seconds in the 100m or significantly improve his ranking position, which currently stands at 78.
Only 56 athletes will be selected for the Paris Games.