Lanka’s Cooray gets ready for the 26 mile run
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The only other Lankan to qualify for the 30th Olympic Games at London, Marathon runner Anuradha Indrajith Cooray is waiting to prove that his comeback into the arena is not in vain. Cooray takes part in Marathon which is the customary last event of the games on Sunday. Athletics and Rifle Shooting Manager, Real Admiral Shemal Fernando is hoping that the Lankan distance runner will make his mark at the games this time around. Fernando, talking to the Mirror Sports on Wednesday, said “I was there when Cooray took part in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney Australia"
"Hhe finished 30th out of 140 odd participants. To my mind it was a good achievement. But, the lad gave up athletics thereafter" He added.
While watching the event on television during the 2008 Beijing Games, Cooray was inspired again and wanted to make a comeback. He has been training and living in London during the last four years. He achieved the cut off timing to take part at the 2012 Olympic Games which was set at the London Marathon this year. Cooray is in constant touch with his personal trainer Nicholas Taylor, an Englishman.
“After arriving at the games village on the 25th of July, we released him for another three days to train with Taylor. Once in the village he is continuing his training, but he has no one shadow run with him.” said Sri Lanka athletic manager, Fernando.
- S.R. Pathiravithana reporting from London
Singer Schools Rugby
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