Bronze Brilliance: Sri Lanka's Venuki Wijesena Shines at the 17th Singapore Open Artistic Swimming Championships

In a dazzling display of talent, Sri Lankan artistic swimmer Venuki Wijesena clinched a bronze medal on the opening day of the 17th Singapore Open Artistic Swimming Championships held at the OCBC Aquatic Centre. This marked a triumphant return to the international stage for the Sri Lankan Age Group team, participating in their first overseas competition since 2019.

Competing in the 13-15 years Youth Figure Competition, Venuki Wijesena showcased her prowess, securing a commendable third place with 62.0060 points. Kihara Goonetilleke also made her mark, claiming the sixth spot in the 11-12 years age group with 58.3623 points. The Sri Lankan team exhibited their competitive spirit, with Amara Watson Kittle, and Aheli Joseph securing 23rd and 47th positions, respectively, out of 63 participants in the same age category.

In the 13-15 years Youth category, Ayla Watson Kittle, Satvi Arjuna, Sanuki Suraweera, and Andrea Thirukumar showcased their skills, ranking 24th, 33rd, 35th, and 36th places, respectively, among 52 participants.

A total of 17 participants from Aurora Synchro Club, Ladies College, Musaeus College, and Visakha Vidyalaya are representing Sri Lanka in various age groups at the competition. Team Manager Akhry Ameer emphasized that the primary goal for the team is to gain valuable international competition experience after a hiatus due to setbacks in recent years.

Under the supervision of Head Coach Dehara Katipearachchi, a former Asian Games and Commonwealth Games athlete, the team navigates rule changes in Artistic Swimming implemented during the pandemic. Adapting to a hybrid rule setting in Singapore, the swimmers are poised to showcase their adaptability and skills in the remaining two days of the competition, featuring over 220 artistic swimmers from various Asian countries and clubs. Sri Lanka anticipates a stellar performance from their talented athletes as they make their mark on the international stage.

In conclusion, Sri Lanka's Venuki Wijesena has not only brought home a bronze medal but has illuminated the international stage with her exceptional performance at the 17th Singapore Open Artistic Swimming Championships. The return of the Sri Lankan Age Group team to global competition after a hiatus since 2019 has been marked by notable achievements and a promising display of talent.

As the team, comprising athletes from Aurora Synchro Club, Ladies College, Musaeus College, and Visakha Vidyalaya, competes in various age groups, their collective efforts reflect a resilient spirit and dedication to overcoming challenges. Team Manager Akhry Ameer's emphasis on gaining international competition experience underscores the significance of this event in the team's journey.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Dehara Katipearachchi, the swimmers navigate through rule changes in Artistic Swimming, showcasing adaptability in a hybrid rule setting in Singapore. The upcoming days hold the promise of further outstanding performances from the Sri Lankan team as they compete alongside over 220 artistic swimmers from diverse Asian countries and clubs.

Venuki Wijesena's bronze medal is not just a testament to her individual skill but a symbol of Sri Lanka's growing prominence in the international artistic swimming arena. The nation eagerly awaits the continued success and resilience of its athletes in the remaining days of the competition, celebrating their achievements on the global stage.