Pradeep Somasiri, a remarkable para-athlete from Sri Lanka, showcased his tenacity at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Competing in the T46 1500m Athletics Finals, Somasiri finished 10th overall with a time of 4:01.84, demonstrating his commitment and skill in a highly competitive field.
Somasiri grew up in the picturesque village of Kiriporuwa in Eheliyagoda, where he received his primary education at Kiriporuwa Vidyalaya. He later pursued higher education at Sri Sumana Pirivena in Mulgampitiya. From a young age, he was passionate about athletics, excelling in district, provincial, and national-level running competitions, despite being born with a disability. In 2016, he joined the Ministry of Sports, initially aiming to participate in a special needs cricket team.
Somasiri’s life took a significant turn when he met a captain from the Kuruwita Army Camp, who introduced him to para-sports and encouraged him to train in para-athletics. His first coach is Lt Col Ranjith Hennayake. His dedication paid off when he won silver medals in the 400m and 200m events at the Dubai Asian Youth Para Games in 2017, leading to his selection for the Sri Lankan national team. However, his athletic journey faced a setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which interrupted training for nearly a year. Undeterred, Somasiri returned with renewed focus, shifting his concentration to the 1500m event.
In 2022, Somasiri achieved gold at the Asian Para Games and secured a silver medal at the World Para Grand Prix held in Morocco in 2024. His journey is marked by a continuous pursuit of excellence, with aspirations to achieve outstanding timing and win a medal at the Paris Paralympic Games.
Pradeep Somasiri’s story is one of resilience and determination. His journey from a young athlete in Kiriporuwa to a competitor on the world stage is inspiring. As he continues to push boundaries in para-athletics, Somasiri remains a beacon of hope and motivation for many, proving that with hard work and perseverance, one can overcome any obstacle.
Written by Nadun Kumarasinghe | Moraspirit