Ushan set to continue SL’s high jump legacy

The 20-year-old high jumper Ushan Thiwanka cleared second best height ever by a Sri Lankan in High Jump as he renewed his last month’s personal best with a 2.24m jump at the 2nd National trials for the Asian Games on Saturday 12th at Sugathadasa stadium.

Thiwanka who leapt 2.20m only two weeks ago attempted to clear 2.28m for the first time in his life which was not successful after a 2.24m jump. Only high jumper of Sri Lanka to leap better than Ushan is National record holder and Olympian high jumper Manjula Kumara Wijesekara and it was nice to see him supporting and giving his guidance to Ushan during the event. Wijesekara did not take part in the competition.

His performance was just 0.01cm short of qualification mark set by AASL for the Asian Games (2.25m) . Former Maris Stella high jumper trained by former National High Jumper Senarath Fernando had been leaping record breaking height for a while and he is set to fill the void after Manjula Kumara Wijesekara in the event .