Call her anything that suits her personality as a teenage idol who could be sought after by potential investors looking for a perfect head-turning pin-up girl, a role model for the discerning sportswoman.
Unknown to many, one of Sri Lanka’s gymnasts has been scaling the bars of success challenging herself not only in the arena but away from it all overcoming an ankle injury, dengue fever, bouts of influenza and the deadly Covid 19 pandemic to come out on many an occasion carrying the Lion flag on her numerous appearances in the international arena.
Kumudi Abeyratne relaxes as she takes a break at one of her international forays
For Kumudi Abeyratne, an Advance Level student of Musaeus College, it was a case of taking one step at a time to pursue her goals in life and gymnastics has rated top on her list of priorities since she took to the artistic sport as a six year old.
She was a champion in all age groups from Under-9 to 18 from 2014 to 2023 that took in the All-Island School Games and the All-Island Club Championships while grabbing the title of Junior National Champion in 2019 at the age of 13 years.
“Not being able to do gymnastics was a big concern when I was down and out. But I always believe in what I do,” recalled Kumudi who is now back once again at training.
Last year Kumudi was adjudged the best performer at the All Island Schools Gymnastic Championships and given the determination she has in overcoming unseen obstacles, she has all the right in the world to set her thoughts on raising the bars higher.
But Kumudi is also no stranger to international events after she represented Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England in 2022 at the age of 15 making her the youngest among the world’s competitors.
That propelled her to securing a place at the 19th Asian Games in China in 2023 and the Asian Gymnastic Championships in 2022 in Qatar and the following year in Singapore as she continued to show promise.
“I could say I am an accomplished woman in academics and athletics and this is due to long years of dedication, commitment and desire since kindergarten backed by my parents, coaches and school. Representing Sri Lanka is a dream come true”, said an elated Kumudi in an interview with the Sunday Observer.
Not many teenage girls would venture out to do what Kumudi has been good at that makes her an athlete who can be put right on the first mistake and she’s got what it takes to stir up more girls to join her field.
Her last international appearance was in the 2024 Asian Artistic Gymnastics in Uzbekistan while being the leader of the senior National women’s team and she is currently the Senior National Champion at the age of 17.
Kumudi has now reached a stage where she is being projected as a role model for young gymnasts, an image that she relishes as she looks forward to bigger achievements after striking it rich with 9 As at the GCE O/L exam in 2022 while at the same time earning Sri Lanka Colours.
