Champion diver
Hi Magazine|Series 19 Volume 4 - 2021
YASHODA DE SILVA IS SRI LANKA’S UNDISPUTED DIVING CHAMPION. WITH HER EYES SET ON WINNING MORE MEDALS YASHODA REMAINS STEADFAST IN HER TRAINING REGIMENT IN AUSTRALIA
Tina Edward Gunawardhana
Champion diver
How did you get in to diving?

When I was younger my mom used to take my sister for swimming and I used to just sit on the swimming pool gutter and watch her because I was terrified of water when I was small.

However, I was really interested in watching the big akkis and ayyas dive and I really wanted to try it. So my mom enrolled me for diving lessons.

I was still scared of water, so my coach stayed in the pool and used to catch me when I jumped off the diving board. This eventually allayed my fear of water and I fell in love with that sport and took to it like a proverbial duck to water!

Of all the sports, why diving?

There was no specific reason as such. I just really wanted to try it out as it seemed that the divers were flying through the air and it looked such a fun activity.

How old were you when you first started diving?

I was 9 years old when I started diving.

How old were you when you first started competing professionally?

I was only ten years old when I first started competing professionally.

What are the national records you have broken?

I hold the record of being the only diver to become the National Champion for 10 years. I was really humbled to have set up such a record and I consider that to be one of my greatest achievements.

What national records do you hold?

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