Kandy’s Olympic heroes in athletics and boxing – By Hafiz Marikar The Ceylon Olympic team at the Olympic camp in Richmond Park, London 13th June 1948. (From left) Edward Gray, Albert Perera, Duncan White, John de Saram, Mr. Perera (team manager), George Peiris, Leslie Handunge and Alex Obeysekera Image source: Sunday Observer Kandy has produced several Olympic heroes especially in athletics and boxing Here are some of them who have brought honour and fame to their home town with their achievements DUNCAN WHITE – In the 1948, Wembley Olympics 400 metres hurdles, the most colourful of all track events,there was an obscure youth from a little known island. The stands swelled with cheering spectators, cameras whirred and the air hummed with the voice of famous commentators of the finalist line up. The loud-speakers blared their names: Two Americans confident of winning, a dour Swede, a swarthy Italian. Then the announcer said ...
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G. Brant Little – Advancement of University Sport-by Fl. Lt Walter. J. May Source:Island 1948 holds a special place in the history of sport in Sri Lanka due to the outstanding performance of Duncan White at the London Olympics. Earlier that year, G. Brant Little arrived in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon), contracted by the Ceylon Amateur Athletics Association (AAA) to coach the Island’s first Olympic team. Little’s own sporting background was primarily in athletics having represented Canada in the 800 meters at the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam. He later won a scholarship to Notre Dame University in USA where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. ...
John de Saram – youngest competitor at 1948 Olympic Games John De Saram Source:Dailynews At the age of 20 years, John De Saram was the youngest athlete to represent Sri Lanka at the 1948 London Olympic Games. He was included in the Sri Lankan contingent after some outstanding performances for Police Sports Club where he excelled in several track events. In 1948, he helped Police Sports Club to clinch the 4X110 yards Relay Championship after having completed a successful school career at Royal College, Colombo. ...
