Kithmi shows her medal
Kithmi Marambe, a name synonymous with excellence in diving, has inscribed an unforgettable legacy at her alma mater, Bishop’s College.
From the very beginning of her diving journey in 2014, Kithmi has been a beacon of inspiration, capturing age group championships in every national diving competition. She led the Bishop’s College diving team with grace and willpower, becoming a symbol of perseverance and passion.
Her final appearance at the Sri Lanka Schools’ Aquatic Championship recently was incredible. Despite competing with a fractured foot, Kithmi claimed the Under-20 Overall Best Diver title for the second consecutive year. Her unshakeable spirit, bolstered by the encouragement and motivation of her coach, Chanaka Wickramasinghe and the support of her family and school community, was evident as she performed with sheer commitment.
Kithmi’s diving journey began under the guidance of coach Esiri Kankanige who helped her qualify for her first championships in 2014. After Esiri took wing overseas, Kithmi found a new mentor in Chanaka Wickramasinghe who pushed her to new heights.
Although her school coaches have changed over the years, her current coaches, Mahinda Liyanage and Kasun de Silva, have continued to support her dedication and growth in the sport.
In 2017, Kithmi claimed her first Overall Best Diver award at the 43rd National Age Group Diving Championship. She continued to dominate, winning numerous titles and setting new benchmarks in Sri Lankan diving. Her talent took her beyond national boundaries, representing Sri Lanka at international competitions, including the Asian Open Schools Invitational Swimming and Diving Championship in Bangkok and the Asian Age Groups Championships in India.
Kithmi’s achievements extend beyond the diving board. She excelled academically, securing 9As in her GCE O/L exams and later achieving 3As and 1B in her London AS exams. She was not only a diving captain but also a school prefect, a member of the western band, and an accomplished concert flutist.
Her final year at school was a rollercoaster of emotions. As the captain of the Sri Lanka team at the BIMSTEC Aquatic Championship 2024, Kithmi won the silver medal in the 1m Spring Board event, the only medal for Sri Lanka in the competition. However, in June, tragedy struck when she fractured her foot during practice. Despite the injury, Kithmi participated in her final school event, the 49th Sri Lanka Schools’ Aquatic Sports Championship, and once again emerged as the Under-20 Overall Best Diver.
In a humble interview, Kithmi expressed her deep gratitude to her coaches, particularly Chanaka Wickramasinghe and her early inspiration, National diving captain Sahan Peiris. However, it was her elder brother, Matheesha Marambe, who became her true diving hero. She admires him as the perfect diver, someone she aspires to emulate.
In Sri Lanka, the diving scene has been brightly illuminated by the sibling duo of Kithmi and Matheesha Marambe.
They have not only excelled individually but have also set a remarkable standard captaining their schools, Bishop’s College and Royal College.
Kithmi and Matheesha have consistently clinched the national diving championships, each year raising the bar with their exceptional performances. Their dedication and talent have made them symbols of excellence in the sport. Matheesha, who concluded his school diving career last year, left behind a legacy.
Kithmi’s journey in diving is a significant story of endurance, commitment, and ardent enthusiasm for the sport.
From her early days at Bishop’s College, Kithmi showed a deep commitment to diving, pushing herself to achieve success.
Her hard work paid off as she led the Bishop’s College diving team to numerous victories, earning a reputation as one of the top divers in the country. But Kithmi’s story goes beyond just winning medals; it is about the determination to overcome challenges and the drive to excel.
Kithmi’s impressive journey in diving has been marked by remarkable leadership and dedication. As the vice-captain and later the captain of her school team, she led Bishop’s College to numerous victories in diving competitions. Her confidence and skill made her a reliable asset for the team, ensuring top scores and consistent wins. The support from senior divers at Bishop’s, who went out of their way to mentor and guide her, played a crucial role in her development as a standout athlete.
Beyond her diving prowess, Kithmi is known for her thorough knowledge of FINA rules, which she uses to advocate for fairness in the sport. Her passion for diving extends to standing up for her teammates, fighting for justice and ensuring that every competitor is treated fairly. This dedication highlights not just her skill, but her commitment to the integrity of the sport.
Kithmi’s achievements have brought glory to Bishop’s College and have set a high standard for future generations of Sri Lankan divers. Her success has not only been in the pool but also in inspiring young athletes who look up to her as a role model.
