Nadeeka Lakmalee. Pic by Sajith Jayasekara

So far, over 40 athletes have represented Sri Lanka at the Olympics. Sri Lanka has sent jumpers and runners to the Olympics since 1948. But the Beijing Olympics will be a first for Sri Lankan athletics in throwing. Nadeeka Lakmalee of the Sri Lanka Army will end a long wait for Sri Lankan throwers when she represents the country in the women’s javelin throw at the Beijing event.

"Getting selected for the event is also a big achievement," says the damsel from Elpitiya who does not envisage a major achievement at the Olympics.

Hailing from a farming family of Kahaduwa Elpitiya, being selected for the Beijing is a huge achievement and for a lass who had nothing but sheer courage to persevere. But she hopes that the future will be bright for Sri Lankan throwers as she has ended a long jinx.

"I don’t expect miracles to happen but this will be an opening for future throwers and I hope throwing will prosper," said Lakmalee.

"But I will do my very best at the Games."

"This event has lot to do with techniques. I acquired this knowledge from A. J. Jodrigo (the National Throwing coach). I am thankful to him and to former coaches who have helped me reach this standard."

Lakmalee, who has been winning the top places at the All Island Schools Meets from 1995 to 1999 joined the Sri Lanka Army in 2000. She represented Sri Lanka at three Asian Athletic Championships and ended a long wait for an Asian medal last year when she won the bronze in the javelin at the last Asian Championships.

Her throw of 58.48 meters in the javelin throw won her the medal and Olympic qualifying standards.

Lakmalee also won the gold medal at the SA Games when it was held here in Sri Lanka in 2006.

Name: Babarenda Liyanage Nadeeka Lakmalee
Date of Birth: 18th September 1981
School: Kahaduwa Maha Vidyalaya Elpitiya
Club: Army