SriLankan Airlines has applauded one of its flag bearers Mithun Liyanage, who qualified for the prestigious 2018 Ironman 70.3 World Championships in South Africa in September 2018 with an impressive performance at Ironman 70.3 Vietnam last month.
Over 6000 of the world’s finest triathletes are expected to compete.
Ironman 70.3 Triathlons provide an extraordinary test of endurance in three sports consisting of a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike ride and 21.1 km run. Qualifying tournaments are held in various countries at which competitors may qualify for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships.
Captain Suren Ratwatte, CEO of SriLankan Airlines, said: “Mithun is demonstrating his true potential as a world class triathlete and has now been rewarded by being selected to participate in this global event. As the national carrier, SriLankan Airlines endeavors to identify and support our home grown talent, and we are proud to have played a role in supporting Mithun on his journey. We wish him the best of luck in South Africa.”
SriLankan Airlines has been supporting Mithun Liyanage since 2016.
“I am delighted to have qualified for the World Championships and would like to thank all those who supported me in many ways, including my coaches and colleagues, family and of course all my sponsors, including SriLankan Airlines. I hope that this will encourage the growth of Triathlon among Sri Lankans, who definitely have the potential to go far in this sport”, said Liyanage. Mithun is one of four Sri Lankans who have qualified for the World Championships be held in Nelson Mandela Bay near Port Elizabeth in South Africa on September 1-2.
Competing in his fourth international Ironman 70.3 Triathlon, Mithun completed it in a time of four hours and 58 minutes. He has also competed in Ironman 70.3 events in Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as Duathlon (running and cycling) events in Malaysia.
Mithun, 31, began competing in Ironman Triathlons just two years ago, training twice a day. He was chosen as an All World Silver Athlete, which honours the top 5% of triathletes in his age group of 30-34 years.
A Marketing professional, he is currently Sales and Marketing Manager at Spinner Sri Lanka.