Paris, France, August 5, 2024: The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka hailed the spectacular run by Aruna Dharshana who qualified for the semi-finals of the men’s 400m by posting a personal best of 44.99 seconds in the heats on Sunday, August 4.
He is the only athlete from Sri Lanka to advance to the semi-finals at the Paris Olympics.
“What a performance by Aruna Dharshana at his Olympic debut,” posted the Sri Lanka NOC on its Facebook page, after the national champion became the first male athlete from the island nation to go under 45 seconds since former ace Sugath Thilakaratne posted a sub-45 seconds timing in the 1990s.
Dharshana finished third in his heat with a personal best ensuring he qualifies for the semi-finals which will be held on Tuesday, August 6.
Dharshana has been tipped by many to follow in the footsteps of Thilakaratne who won the gold medal in the 400m at the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok.
The Sri Lanka NOC stated: “Dharshana’s perseverance and dedication have brought pride to Sri Lanka, and the nation eagerly anticipates his next round and is hopeful he can improve his personal best again.”