Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 1, 2020: Sri Lanka’s top marathon runner and South Asian Games gold medallist Hiruni Wijayaratne says the decision to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by one year is a “blessing” for her as it gives her more time to prepare and qualify for the Games.
The US-based Wijayaratne was in a tough race against time to qualify for the Olympics this summer as she was recovering from a severe lung infection, but the decision by the International Olympic Committee and Japan organisers to move the Olympics to July 2021 has given her breathing space.
“I still believe it's possible for me to qualify for the Olympics. I actually think this postponement is a blessing in disguise for me as it now gives me more time to be prepared,” Wijayaratne told the Sunday Times.
“I was very ill following the South Asian Games in Nepal last December with a severe lung infection. I spent several days in hospital unable to breathe properly. Now I have plenty of time to regain full health.”
Wijayaratne, who is based in Colorado, USA, won gold in the women’s marathon in Kathmandu. Last year, she also set a Sri Lankan and South Asian record of 2 hours, 34 minutes and 10 seconds in finishing second at the Dusseldorf Marathon.
“For the past four years I have woken up each day with the dream of qualifying for the Olympic Games. I had three competitions in March, April and May, all aimed at getting the necessary qualifications. All these events have been cancelled. I understand it is for the best for all,” the 29-year-old Wijayaratne said.
“Even with the cancelled competitions I was still training at a high level. But since the IOC postponed the Olympics I have begun to slowly ease off my intensive training. I don’t want to get an injury or burn out. It’s best now to simply maintain fitness until the new qualification is announced,” she said.
“I am confident that I will still do everything in my power to be in Tokyo next year. My dreams are not cancelled, they are simply delayed. I waited 29 years to be an Olympian, I can wait one more,” she added.