Sri Lanka’s sprint sensation Yupun Abeykoon has announced his retirement from competitive athletics, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career that redefined Sri Lankan sprinting on the international stage.
The 31-year-old made the announcement through a heartfelt post on his official Facebook account.
Abeykoon represented Sri Lanka in the 100m, 150m, and 200m events, earning numerous international accolades and becoming one of the country’s most celebrated track athletes.
His career reached a historic milestone in 2022, when he clocked 9.96 seconds in the 100 metres at a meet in Switzerland, becoming the fastest man in South Asian history.
The same year, he won the bronze medal in the men’s 100m at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, adding another landmark achievement to his career.
Abeykoon also became the first Sri Lankan athlete to compete in the prestigious Diamond League, further cementing his place in the nation’s sporting history.
In addition, he holds the Asian record in the men’s 150m, a testament to his exceptional speed and lasting impact on athletics in the region.
Yupun Abeykoon’s retirement marks the end of an era for Sri Lankan athletics, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of sprinters.
