101's List of Top 10 Emerging Influential Faces in Sri Lanka

101's List of Top 10 Emerging Influential Faces in Sri Lanka

Yupun Abeykoon - South Asia's Fastest Man

You all know who South Asia’s Fastest Man is! He is our very own, Yupun Abeykoon! Inspired by our veteran Olympic medalist Susanthika Jayasinghe, Yupun set foot on his journey to stardom! His career has been a rollercoaster of record-breaking and ‘re-writing of history’ events! Yupun was the first Sri Lankan to be awarded direct qualification standards for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

He was also the first Sri Lankan athlete to take part in the Diamond League and he continues to re-write history one record-breaking event after another! In 2022, he became the first South Asian Sprinter to break the 10-second barrier and made headlines by winning the title of Resisprint International 2022. It was his spirit and determination to take the flag of Sri Lanka to a height like never before.

Hi Yupun, how does it feel to be recognized as “South Asia’s Fastest Man”?

It’s more like a dream come true and I take this as a step in my life to reach my next targets in my career as an athlete.

Can you tell us about your appearance at the prestigious Diamond League?

The best thing about the diamond league was that I got the opportunity to compete with athletes who once had been my idols. I take great honor and also hard work paid off in my career as an athlete.

In 2022, you broke multiple records including the 10-second barrier! You must be very proud of your achievements. How does it feel to have broken all these records?

As I always say, it is a long-term vision I had when I became an athlete. My coaching staff and my team believed in what I could do, I trusted the process, worked hard, and gave my best to break all the records I have broken.

What is your message to Sri Lanka’s young athletes?

Trust the process and always put yourself before everything. Keep dreaming and work hard towards it.