• I had to decide whether to swim or to accept the head prefect post 
• Water is my soul
• I have associated great swimmers like Caleb Dressel and Joseph Schooling
• I have never seen a swimming competition live
• When I was injured, the swimming association sued me
• The opportunity given to me by the Sports Minister was priceless 
• I broke 11 records in two days at the Singapore Championship

Cherantha de Silva, a remarkable swimming champion, has contributed significantly to Sri Lankan sports. He represented the country in six World Championships, two Commonwealth Games, an Asian Games tournament, and a South Asian Games tournament. Cherantha has won seven medals, including a gold medal in the 2016 South Asian Games. Recently, he returned to Sri Lanka after completing his degree at Kenyon University in the USA. The Daily Morning Sports caught up with the champion swimming during his visit to the country. 

What is happening with your life these days?

What are you up to these days?

I have returned to Sri Lanka after completing my degree in the USA. After a challenging American National University Championship, I'm taking a brief vacation. I'm also in the process of updating my sponsorship and contributing to my father's business.

What made you choose swimming over any other sport? 

My inspiration came from my two brothers, both swimmers. Watching them, I was drawn into the water. My first coach, Roshan Wijesinghe, encouraged me and with that I swam with passion. He still helps me with my career. The first ever international tournament I competed in was in India, when I was only 7 years old. I was selected for two events but I allowed my friend to take one event. However, I won a gold medal, which made me the youngest swimmer from Ananda College to achieve this. My success was driven by passion. 

Tell us about becoming a senior player?

Towards the end of school, swimming became tiresome due to balancing sports practices and academics. I even faked illness to skip training. My parents supported me and it is that which got me where I am now. I captained Asian age group tournaments and I consider it as the beginning of my journey. Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage recognised my potential and offered me a scholarship to attend any university of the world. I chose "Bolles High School" in Florida, USA, which was a turning point in my life. The Minister kept his word and I’m really thankful for it. I got a chance to meet Caleb Dressel and Joseph Schooling who beat Micheal Phelps. 

What followed after that?

I got a chance to train in Thailand. I had only two dreams in my life. One was becoming head prefect at Ananda College and the other was to become the best student at Ananda College. By then there was only six months left for the G.C.E. Advance Level Examination and I had only three days to decide whether to continue with the training or stay back home and do the exams. I knew this was the only opportunity to make my pathway to go to the USA. So I took the chance and went for training. It led me to train with world-renowned athletes in the USA. My scholarship was renewed for 4 years due to my achievements and dedication.

How did you secure university entry in the USA? 

That too was a scholarship I earned. It was tough but I worked hard for it. The university was eager to accept me. I showed immense respect and dedication, which the university reciprocated.

Your greatest achievement in your life?

In the 2017 Singapore National Championship, I set 11 records in 10 events over two days. I broke Sri Lankan records in each event in the first round. Then went on to renew it in the second round as well. In one event, I broke the national record, tournament record and the Singapore national record. However, since I was a foreign participant, I wasn't officially given the record.

You faced some challenges before the 2019 South Asian Games (SAG)?

I was studying at KenYon University when I got the call from Sri Lanka that I was selected for the SAG Games. I was training hard for it and despite qualifying, a shoulder injury hindered my participation. After meeting with the doctors in the USA, I was advised to reduce my training. I shared all the medical records and doctor's notes with the Sri Lankan authorities, but they didn’t believe me. I was accused of deliberately avoiding the games so I filed a case against the association. They wanted to say that I jeopardised the whole team by not turning up. No one would purposely jeopardise their dream like that. No one was there for me and It left me disheartened. Some high-end officials in the swimming association still blackmail me saying that the court case is still going on. I have faced these troubles all my life so I have always felt I am alone here.

Let’s speak about memorable people in your life?

I've met exceptional swimmers like Caleb Dressel, Joseph Schooling, and his coach Sergio Lopez, with whom I've developed a strong bond.

What’s the best advice you have got in your life? 

I once asked Sergio Lopez how his former student Caleb Dressel, reached that far as a sportsman. He said he also finds it surprising because he doesn’t swim much. All he does is run and go on hunting trips. That resonated with me, the extraordinary nature of great athletes. I discussed these things with my coach and second father Miguel Lopez and I am currently putting them to use in my career development. 

Who is your role model? 

My father holds the most significant place in my life, alongside my mother's unwavering love. These bonds are really important in my life. 

Who is your favourite swimmer?

I don’t watch swimming competitions. To this date, I haven’t watched anything live but I watch highlights later on and learn from them. I like Joseph Schooling from Singapore due to his achievements on an international stage.

What would you do once you retire?

I want to share my achievements and experiences with the future generations. The records I achieved, both international and national, I would like to compile all of them and write a book. I'm currently halfway through compiling it, with the aim of leaving a legacy for future generations.

Lastly, a mention to what’s closest to your heart?

Water is my closest companion. Everyone has heard the phrase Water is your friend but I actually feel it in my bones. I feel like I'm a person who walks on water. It's my soul, and if you love water, it reciprocates that love.