By Michael Hansford
CCA’s Amiru Chandrasena’s debut representing Australia did not fail to deliver, winning Gold and Bronze at the 2019 Oceania Area Championships.
The reigning Victorian and Australian Champion won the U18 long jump and placed third in the triple jump in Townsville three weeks ago in his first international competition, setting a long jump best of 7.33m.
The 16 year old said the excitement was “unreal” to compete at such a significant competition.
“There wasn’t any nerves going in (to the competition) as I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “There was a great atmosphere with everyone being friendly and supportive, it was an amazing experience.”
Chandrasena didn’t expect to compete in the Green and Gold so early in his career, saying that performing well at the Australian Championships was the primary focus for this season.
“Nationals was definitely the goal (for this season)” he said, “but after winning the long jump and getting second in triple jump I was told about Oceania.”
“It was hard (to keep training past Nationals) in the cold and wet … and there were a few injuries that hindered the training as well, but everything worked out,” Chandrasena said.
“It was exciting to do something new.”
Starting off as a sprinter, Chandrasena was drawn to the jumping events for the chilled call rooms and multiple attempts.
“I started finding my talent in jumping and pursued in improving that. I also can’t stand the anticipation of the call room before a heat or the wait before a final,” he said. “Jumping also appeals to me as you are constantly learning from every jump and have multiple chances to prove yourself.”
Chandrasena credits the support of his family and guidance of expert coach John Boas and his training squad for his success.
Boas manages the training of some of Australia’s highest pedigree jumpers, including 8 metre jumpers Darcy Roper, Christopher Mitrevski and Henry Smith.
“There is something different about training with a squad compared to by yourself that pushes you and motivates you to be better,” Chandrasena said.
His father Danuja was his first coach and continues to assist him with his training.
Chandrasena said that “The support from family is extremely important when it comes to training and a competing because you can’t always do it by yourself, and they share in losses (as well as) the wins.”
Fellow Club member Cameron Debruin also competed at the Oceania Championships, coming second in the U20 100m, first in the 200m and first in the 4x100m relay.
Follow the boys at: @Amiru.c and @Cam.debruin
If you are a part of CCA’s community and have an idea for what our next story should be, please contact Michael via mdhan2@student.monash.edu, through social media or around the track!
