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Yupun Abeykoon

Pushing the limits

When Yupun Abeykoon left Sri Lanka for Italy in 2015, he took a leap that many young athletes dream of but rarely dare to attempt. At only 21, he stepped into a foreign land, a new language and an elite sporting environment that demanded more of him than ever before.

Yet, it was precisely this challenge that would shape him into becoming the most decorated sprinter South Asia has produced. Italy became more than a training base; it became a place where his potential transformed into performance and where a promising athlete evolved into a international competitor.

A turning point in Abeykoon’s ascent came in 2019 when he began training under former Italian Olympian Claudio Licciardello. Licciardello’s mentorship brought structure, precision and a renewed sense of possibility. Under this partnership, Abeykoon’s progression gathered unstoppable momentum.

The sprinter who once claimed the title of ‘South Asia’s fastest man’ with a time of 10.22 seconds soon surpassed his own achievements repeatedly, pushing boundaries until he reached a milestone once thought unattainable for the region.

In July 2022, Abeykoon etched his name into history with a sublime 9.96 second dash, becoming the first South Asian to break the 10 second barrier in the 100 metres. It was more than a personal victory; it was a regional awakening, a defining moment that expanded the limits of what South Asian athletes believed possible.

His bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games that same year, ending Sri Lanka’s 24 year athletics medal drought, cemented his status as a national icon. And with appearances in two Diamond League finals – racing shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s leading sprinters – Abeykoon proved that his rise was not a fleeting spark but a sustained climb to the highest levels of the sport.

Even after making history, he continues to deliver performances that underscore his consistency and competitive hunger. In 2025, he opened his indoor season in Finland by clocking a seasonal best of 6.66 seconds in the 60 metres at the Tampere Indoor Meeting, finishing second after winning the preliminary round in 6.69 seconds. Weeks later, he stormed to a meet record of 10.36 seconds at the Memorial Zbigniew Ludwichowski in Poland, reaffirming his dominance on the European circuit.

Today, based in Italy but carrying Sri Lanka in every stride, Yupun Abeykoon stands as a symbol of discipline, ambition and the power of choosing the tougher road. And his journey is far from over – for his nation, for South Asia and for every runner daring to dream beyond limit.

– Compiled by Allaam Ousman

I want to be remembered as someone who pushed the limits of what was thought possible

ABOUT YUPUN

BIRTHDAY
31 December

PLACE OF BIRTH
Negombo

FAMILY
Father, mother and sister

SCHOOLING
Pannala National School
St. Joseph Vaz College (Wennappuwa)

HIGHER EDUCATION
Accepted to the University of Peradeniya but pursued advanced training abroad instead

COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE   
Italy

CITY OF RESIDENCE
Rome

AWARDS
Commonwealth Games bronze medallist (2022)
South Asian Men’s record holder – 60m, 100m and 200m
Asian Men’s record holder – 150m

Q: Can you tell us about your childhood in Sri Lanka and what drew you to athletics?

A: I grew up in Pannala and first attended Pannala National School before moving to St. Joseph Vaz College in Wennappuwa. My passion for sports began in Grade 5.

At school meets, I initially tried the jumping events but a coach soon recognised that I had raw speed.

Sprinting gave me a rush I couldn’t find anywhere else and that’s when I knew this was my path. Step by step, I set targets for myself and kept achieving them from the school level onwards – I believe that a steady, focussed journey is what brought me to where I am today.

Q: How has your Sri Lankan upbringing shaped your approach to discipline, resilience and competitiveness?

A: Coming from a country with limited facilities forces you to be tough. You learn to make the most of what you have and that struggle gave me both grit and resilience. When I later relocated to Italy, I realised how many more facilities and resources were available compared to what I had back home.

But I’m proud that I fought hard with whatever I had – that determination is what shaped me into the athlete I am today.

LIFE

MUST-HAVES AT ALL TIMES

I’m truly happy to have become a catalyst for athletics in Sri Lanka

Q: In what ways has living and training in Italy influenced both your sporting career and perspective on life?

A: Moving to Italy in 2015 was truly life changing. Looking back, I’m grateful I made that decision at just 21.

The professional set up – experienced coaches, physiotherapists, sports science support, regular competitions and even travel facilities – opened my eyes to what elite sport really demands.

It was on a much bigger scale than anything I’d seen in Sri Lanka. I also had the chance to meet and train alongside world-class athletes, and learned so much from their approach and professionalism.

Q: How important has mentorship and coaching been in your career while residing overseas?

A: It has been huge. Working with Claudio Licciardello from 2019 onwards completely transformed my career.

He believed in me even before I truly believed in myself. And he showed me that I could reach targets I once thought were out of reach. He also built a strong support team around me and that foundation helped me break new ground in my performance.

Q: You’ve become a trailblazer for Sri Lankan athletics. What does carrying that responsibility feel like?

A: It’s both heavy and beautiful.

In the beginning, it was stressful because I knew that kids and fans back home were watching – and I wanted to show them that a Sri Lankan could stand among the best athletes in the world.

After I broke the 10 second barrier, I even heard from officials that many young athletes were inspired to take up track and field and deliver strong performances. I’m truly happy to have become a catalyst for athletics in Sri Lanka.

Q: You’ve been dubbed ‘South Asia’s fastest man.’ How do you relate to that title?

A: It’s an honour. When I first earned the title of the fastest man in South Asia, I ran 10.22 seconds. Since then, I have broken that record multiple times, eventually bringing it below 10 seconds.

Q: What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far – and why?

A: Breaking the 10 second barrier in 2022 was unforgettable. Running 9.96 seconds was historic not only for me but for the entire region, as no one in South Asia had done it before.

Winning the Commonwealth Games bronze was especially meaningful, as it marked Sri Lanka’s first athletics medal at the Games in 24 years. I also won’t forget competing in two Diamond League finals, where I raced among the top eight athletes in the world.

Q: And what does it mean to you to carry the Sri Lankan flag on the world stage?

A: It’s my proudest duty. Every time I step onto the track, I feel I’m running not only for myself but for the entire island. It’s remarkable how sport can also elevate Sri Lanka’s image and even tourism.

I remember a former sports minister telling me that millions of dollars go into promoting Sri Lanka abroad, yet I can make an impact in a mere 10 seconds. That’s the beauty of sport and I’m truly happy to do my part for my country.

FAVOURITES (THREE EACH)

Every time I step onto the track, I feel I’m running not only for myself but for the entire island

CV IN A NUTSHELL

Yupun Abeykoon is a Sri Lankan sprinter specialising in the 100m and 200m events. He currently resides in Rome, where he trains under coach Claudio Licciardello.

In 2022, he became the first South Asian to break the 10 second barrier in the 100m, clocking a time of 9.96 seconds. That same year, he secured a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, delivering Sri Lanka’s first athletics medal at the Games in 24 years.

He is passionate about mentoring younger athletes – and contributing to the development of athletics in Sri Lanka.

I’d love for my records to be broken because that would mean the next generation is reaching even greater heights

Q: How do you hope your journey inspires the next generation of Sri Lankan athletes?

A: I hope they see that it’s possible – because I achieved it even when many people doubted me.

Talent exists everywhere in Sri Lanka; what we need is belief, exposure and consistency. If the government provides young athletes with elite level facilities and helps develop the sport professionally, winning on the world stage won’t be far-fetched for them.

Q: What goals are you setting for yourself in the coming years – both professionally and personally?

A: Professionally, I want to keep breaking barriers because I know I can achieve even more.

With the 2026 Asian Games and Commonwealth Games approaching, I’ve set my sights on those events and am determined to win more medals for Sri Lanka. To achieve this, I plan to engage with the authorities to address issues that have persisted for years.

Personally, I also want to mentor younger athletes and share the knowledge I’ve gained. I’m excited to see how these plans unfold and what opportunities lie ahead.

Q: Would you envision contributing to the development of athletics in Sri Lanka once you retire from competitive racing?

A: Definitely. I’m ready to help whenever I am asked. I have assisted many athletes and previously engaged with relevant authorities to help improve sports in Sri Lanka.

I even helped some athletes who travelled to Italy connect with the Italian team authorities. Although not much came of it, I remain hopeful that with committed new leadership, I can continue supporting athletes and ensure that future generations don’t face the same struggles I did.

Q: What legacy would you like to leave behind – as an athlete and a Sri Lankan living abroad?

A: I want to be remembered as someone who pushed the limits of what was thought possible. I live by the motto: One life, one chance – give the world a reason to remember your name.

I strive to live by that principle every day. And I’d love for my records to be broken because that would mean the next generation is reaching even greater heights.