Sri Lankan Paralympian Samitha Dulan Kodituwakku has once again made history by breaking his own world record during the Javelin Throw event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Competing in the F64 category, Samitha’s exceptional performance on September 2nd has solidified his status as one of the world’s leading Paralympic athletes.
The remarkable achievement came during Samithaโs fifth throw of the night, where he recorded a staggering distance of 67.03 meters, surpassing his previous world record set earlier this year in May. This throw not only broke the F44 category world record but also secured him a silver medal in the highly competitive event.
Throughout the event, Samitha demonstrated his consistency and skill with a series of impressive throws: 63.14m, 63.61m, 55.01m, and 63.73m, before delivering his record-breaking 67.03m throw. This exceptional effort propelled him from fifth place to an extraordinary second-place finish, earning him his second Paralympic medal. Samitha previously won a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, showcasing his dedication and continuous improvement as an athlete.
However, despite this record-breaking performance, Samitha narrowly missed the gold medal. The top spot was claimed by Indian athlete Sumit Antil, who recorded an incredible throw of 70.59 meters, setting the best mark of the night. Antil, who had also been the previous world record holder after the Tokyo Olympics, proved to be Samithaโs closest rival in the competition.
Samitha Dulanโs latest achievement is a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, as it marks the furthest a Sri Lankan athlete has gone in the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, and the only medal the nation has secured thus far. His success is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering commitment to representing Sri Lanka on the world stage.
This historic moment is a source of immense pride for the entire nation, as Samitha continues to inspire future generations of athletes. His achievement is not just a personal triumph but a victory for all of Sri Lanka, highlighting the potential and talent of Sri Lankan athletes in the global arena.
As we celebrate Samitha Dulan Kodituwakku’s incredible achievement, we look forward to witnessing more such historic moments from this exceptional athlete. His journey is a powerful reminder that with dedication, determination, and hard work, anything is possible.
