Tharushi, Gayanthika, Nadeesha, Yupun eye Olympic qualifying standards in Dubai

by Reemus Fernando

Asian Games gold medallist Thrushi Karunaratne and former national record holder of the women’s 800 metres, Gayanthika Abeyratne, 400 metres sprinter Nadeesha Ramanayake and Italy based sprinter Yupun Abeykoon will vie for Paris Olympic Games qualifying standards when they compete against tough opponents at the Dubai Grand Prix on Friday.

Both Karunaratne and Abeyratne have not met each other on the track at a major competition after the Asian Games. On Friday, they will be aiming at the direct qualifying standard time of one minute and 59.30 seconds which no Sri Lankan woman has ever achieved.

There are 48 slots for the women’s 800 metres at the Paris Olympics. Of  them 27 places are filled by athletes achieving the tough qualifying standards while the rest of the 21 places are filled according to world rankings. Currently Gayanthika Abeyratne is ranked 61st in the ‘Road to Paris 24’ rankings and she will be eager to improve on her standing. Karunaratne is yet to enter the list despite winning the Asian Games, Asian Championship and Asian Junior Championship titles last year.

The Sri Lankan duo will be chasing Kenyan born Bahrain runner Nelly Jepkosgei who has a seasonal best of 1:58.93 seconds heading into Friday’s World Athletics Continental Tour bronze event.

Abeyratne commenced the season with a moderate 2:06.12 seconds performance at the First Trial conducted by Sri Lanka Athletics in March. But it will be the first event of the season for Karunaratne whose national record mark of 2:00.66 seconds is likely to receive a beating.

Italy based sprinter Yupun Abeykoon is in red hot form following his 15.90 seconds dash in the 150 metres at the Florence Sprint Festival.

He had a similar feat before accomplishing the historic sub ten seconds performance in the 100 metres in 2022. The Olympic qualifying standard for men’s 100 metres is 10 seconds.

Asian Championship gold medallist Nadeesha Ramanayake had a 53.22 seconds start at the recently held Trial. She has a tough ask as 50.95 is the qualifying standard set for Paris Olympics.