Dr. Ghefari Dulapandan
Holistic lifestyle
Q: How did you balance your rigorous training schedule as a competitive swimmer with pursuing higher education – including studying for your PhD in psychology and an MBA?
A: The secret is time management and segmenting tasks within a time box. I see youth struggle with the pressures of juggling excessive classes and fitting everything around education.
Q: What was a typical training day like for you during your swimming career? And how have these habits influenced your lifestyle over the years?
A: I trained daily between 5 and 7 a.m., and then again for two hours in the evening, six days a week – which included two gym sessions.
This dedication and the discipline we maintained during our careers is something I don’t see in present-day athletes. The pain and effort I consistently put in day in and day out helped me through the trials of life.
Q: Having competed internationally, how have your experiences shaped your world view – and do you incorporate lessons from your travels into your daily life?
A: In Sinhalese, there’s a saying ‘avidda paya dahas vatee,’ – the feet that have walked through life are worth a thousand times over.
This is the essence of life; and I always advise youth to go out and explore the world. Exposure to different cultures and lifestyles will help you grow as a person.
Q: Given your educational background in psychology, how has mental resilience and mindset contributed to your success – both as a swimmer and in professional life?
A: It’s all about self-belief – mental strength comprises 98 percent while effort and hard work constitute only two percent of our successes in the journey of life.
The many hours of repetitive swimming in a pool is boring unless you have passion. This correlates with all aspects of our lives. The mental resilience and pain I endured have moulded me into who I am today.
Q: Could you share a few insights into your approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle both during your swimming career and thereafter?
A: One of the keys to maintaining a healthy lifestyle goes beyond simply the physical aspect of health. It’s important that we integrate physical, mental, psychological, emotional and sexual health, to maintain a holistic and healthy lifestyle.
I have always charted a path focussed on the middle ground to be able to stay grounded in every aspect of life.
Q: Are there any mentors or role models who have influenced you – and if so, who are they? And how do you engage in mentorship or support others in their endeavours?
A: My parents were my biggest role models together with my uncle and Sri Lankan national coach Rizvi Zain, who passed away during our Asian Games tour in 1998.
I believe that everyone needs to have a mentor; and I work tirelessly to not only mentor athletes I take under my wing, but also other youth during workshops and presentations.
Q: With such a multifaceted life, how do you strike a balance between your professional commitments, charity work and personal life?
A: As mentioned earlier, it’s all about time management together with ensuring that you prepare a to-do list the night before. Then identify and categorise your most important tasks, and work your way through the ‘must do’ tasks in priority order.
Charity work is a passion and I’ve allocated a set amount of hours to concentrate on this.
Family is most important: people and jobs come and go but your family is your safety net; they keep you sane through all the madness in the world. So when I come home, I always spend time with my family.
FACT FILE
FAMILY
Parents and sister (a constant support)
Wife and two daughters (understanding and supportive)
SCHOOLING
Alethea International School
S. Thomas’ College
HIGHER EDUCATION
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
University of West London
University College London
University of Oxford
PRESENT OCCUPATION
Transformational coach
AWARDS/ACCOLADES
Sri Lanka national swimming captain (1992-2000)
Unbeaten national swimming champion (1992-2000)
Won 39 international gold, silver and bronze medals for Sri Lanka
COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE
UK
CITY OF RESIDENCE
London
CV IN A NUTSHELL
Dr. Ghefari Dulapandan represented Sri Lanka in international swimming competitions between 1992 and 2000, winning gold medals in Asia-Pacific, Asian and regional competitions.
He also has the distinction of being the first Sri Lankan to qualify for and participate in the 1998 World Aquatics Championships in Perth.
Armed with a PhD in Business Administration and Psychology, an MA in People Management, an MBA and a Bachelor’s in Science, Dulapandan is presently completing a fintech programme at the University of Oxford.
He sits on the advisory board of Communities Without Boundaries International (CWBI) and is a trustee of the Bantuan Foundation (UK), with a mission and vision to help communities and alleviate poverty.