Dinesh Priyantha Herath, who won Sri Lanka’s first-ever gold medal in the Paralympic Games 2020, has revealed that his dream has come true.
35-year-old Herath set a new World record in the Men’s Javelin Throw event with a record throw of 67.79m.
Dinesh Priyantha Herath spoke to reporters after achieving his feat at the Paralympic Games 2020, which is underway in Tokyo, Japan.
“I am very happy, as my biggest dream has come true. I have no words to express my happiness. This is a great example of athletes with a range of disabilities in Sri Lanka,” he said.
The Sri Lankan Paralympian extended his gratitude to his wife, who he said had played a great part in his victory.
“I have three children. My wife looks after my children well. At the same time, she encourages me to achieve my dream. Our youngest child is 08- months old. My wife did everything. She gave me the freedom to participate in the Paralympic Games. I wish to thank my wife for making it possible for me to win this gold medal,” he said.
“I was ready for this challenge and was training under the sun for months. The climate here in Tokyo and Sri Lanka is pretty much the same and I was clearly in the zone from the start. I just enjoyed the weather out here today as it was like I was training in my backyard,” said a jubilant Herath, who did not let go of the Lankan flag for even a second and was seen carrying it around all through to the changing room.
In 2008, Dinesh Priyantha Herath was shot in the left arm while serving in the Sri Lankan Army.
“It took me four years to piece my hand together. Those were the most testing times of my life. However, javelin has given me everything. It has helped me get my life back together and this gold medal is the result of all the hard work that I have put in,” said the Sri Lankan athlete, whose deep scars from three bullet wounds are evident on his left arm. (NewsWire)