94 lifters took to the SPI15 platform which witnessed several records being broken across all weight and age categories.
Powered by UTE, Darin emerged the Gold Medalist in the under 105kg body weight category showcasing Sri Lanka’s strengths at an international level.
Athletes who have achieved colours at national level in the strength sports discipline are eligible to compete in the SPI.
Together with Darin, a team of six participants represented Sri Lanka at the SPI15.
As a strength athlete, Darin owns the High Octane Fitness gym, one of the best equipped gyms in Colombo.
Power Lifting is a strength sport and comprises three disciplines in a set sequence categorised as Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift.
This competitive test of strength is also included in the Commonwealth Games.
Darin’s impressive lift at the SPI15 covered; Squat 217.5kg, Bench Press 155kg, and Deadlift 245kg.
He was awarded the Gold Medal and his impressive performance qualifies his participation at the Commonwealth Games 2018.
Darin who is a passionate strength training enthusiast, has since 2010 won Gold and Silver medals at Sri Lanka National and was invited to participate in this year’s competition.
Other Sri Lankans competing at the SPI included Ransilu Jayathilake who was adjudged the Gold medalist for the under 120kg category and Deeptha Widanapathirane as the Silver medal winner in the under 93kg.
As a prominent racing driver and a motor car record holder, Darin Weerasinghe continued his winning performance setting a remarkable benchmark at the recent Rotherham Circuit Meet organized by SLADA and Sri Lanka Air Force held at Katukurunda.
Driving a Subaru WRX STI for the past 6 years, Darin switched to a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and came out on top, qualifying by achieving Pole Position with a New Lap Record of 57.72 Seconds.
This was a significant achievement as this was the first time this particular car was driven by Darin.
On Race Day, Darin began the race from pole leading throughout with a significant lead, winning the race surpassing experienced drivers who have been driving for many years.
However, due to heavy rain and the lack of rain tyres, Darin was placed third in his second race.
Veering off track while leading at over 220km/h, Darin’s driving skills came into play as he expertly controlled the vehicle.
UTE has been sponsoring Darin’s Racing and Strength Sports since 2011 and its an important part of the company’s growing sports sponsorship portfolio.
UTE also constantly powers golf tournaments. As the sole authorized dealer for CAT in Sri Lanka contributing to the promotion and development of local athletics and sports UTE’s sport sponsorship emulates values of universality and excellence.
Captions:
1.) Darin Weerasinghe at the SPI15
2.) Darin Weerasinghe leading the Rotherham Circuit Meet in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
3.) Darin Weerasinghe victoriously carried by his peers after winning the Rotherham Circuit Meet
