|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
06
CHINTHANA VIDANAGE |
 |
| |
|
|
Chinthana Vidanage,
hailing from Polonnaruwa, is a true hero.
Vidanage, who will represent Sri Lanka is
weightlifting at the Beijing Olympics, has not
had an easy rise to the top. His is a story of
struggle, of overcoming obstacles… and happy
endings, although Vidanage’s tale is far from
over yet
Born 31st December 1981, Vidanage’s father died
when the boy was only five leaving Vidanage’s
mother as the sole breadwinner. The second of
four brothers, Vidanage tasted the bitter tang
of poverty early. Educated at the Swamunna
school, Vidanage received a Grade Five
scholarship to the Royal Central College,
Polonnaruwa. At thirteen, Vidanage’s interest in
weightlifting was piqued. Coached by his friend
Kumudukumara de Silva, Chinthana began his
weightlifting career, becoming National Champion
in his customary 62kg category |
|
After school, Vidanage joined the Sri Lanka Air
Force before moving out to concentrate on his
weightlifting: the young man found himself in
Kandy where he took part in special training for
the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, with only a
meager training allowance to sustain him. When
he could not afford the adhesive powder used for
weightlifting, he used raw cement. Yet Vidanage
was not deterred. He was never deterred: his
passion for the sport, combined with his
inherent resourcefulness and determination
ensured his success.
Thus it was in 2006 that Chinthana Vidanage made
Sri Lankan history, becoming the first
weightlifter to win a gold medal for the country
at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne where he
competed in the men’s 62kg category. It was an
instant catapult to fame and glory for the
impoverished young man from Polonnaruwa. Earning
the country’s admiration and praise, Vidanage
became a hero overnight, and one many could look
up to. Despite the numerous struggles he faced –
and there were many – Vidanage never let the
burden of a difficult life weigh him down. He
faced each obstacle and conquered it, slowly and
steadily making his way to the top. A true
athlete. A true hero
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
