In a moment that made ripples across the Sri Lankan swimming community, a 16-year-old schoolboy from Colombo dived into history at the Sugathadasa Swimming Pool Complex last week.
For the first time on home soil, a swimmer shattered the 30-second barrier in the 50m breaststroke long course – a feat long dreamed of but never achieved until now.
The face of future swimming
The young hero behind this historic splash is M. F. Muhammad, a student of Zahira College, Colombo, who clocked an astonishing 29.89 seconds at the Selection Trial conducted by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU).
It was a race against the clock, and Muhammad swam his heart out to mark his name in Sri Lanka’s swimming.
“It’s incredible. All those early mornings, tough training sessions, and staying consistent finally paid off,” said an emotional Muhammad.
“I couldn’t have done this without my parents and my coach Fawaz Mohideen, who has been by my side since I was a child. They are my biggest strength.”
While Muhammad’s time is just shy of the national long-course record held by Australia-based Lankan swimmer Kiran Jayasinghe, who set a 29.48s in 2023 in Australia, the difference is a mere 0.41s.
Yet, what makes Muhammad’s effort truly special is that it is the fastest time ever achieved in Sri Lankan waters – a landmark that lifts the standards of local swimming to new heights.
With this achievement, the promising swimmer has qualified for two major international meets: the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Romania this July and the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain next August. It’s a chance for Muhammad to not just swim with the best but to chase new dreams in the deep end of the pool.
“I don’t want to just participate,” he said boldly. “I want to break the national record and if possible, bring a medal home for Sri Lanka.” Muhammad, now among the top six swimmers in Sri Lanka based on FINA points, is also set to represent the country at the South Asian Aquatic Championships in India this October and next year’s South Asian Games.
Muhammad’s effort is the fastest time ever achieved in Sri Lankan waters
Behind every great athlete is a team of believers and for Muhammad, it’s his alma mater Zahira College that has stood firmly behind him.
The school, led by its Principal, Board of Governors and Old Boys Association, has been instrumental in funding his foreign tours.
With his rising performances, the school is already dreaming of grooming Sri Lanka’s next Olympic swimmer.
Muhammad’s journey is a shining example of what passion, hard work and support can achieve. From being a backstroke hopeful to a breaststroke star, guided by the watchful eyes of coach Mohideen, his story is one of dedication, sacrifice, and breaking barriers.
