25 years since the ‘Black Mare’ won an Olympic medal

Do you know Susanthika Jayasinghe, the ‘Black Mare’ is the only Asian female sprinter to win an Olympic medal.

This is how the story goes:

It was September 2000. The Sydney Olympics were in full swing.

As the grand sporting spectacle entered its final phase, hundreds of millions around the world were glued to their televisions, eager to witness history in the making.

That afternoon, millions of Sri Lankans were fixated on their TV screens.

Those without access gathered around radios, listening intently to the live commentary.

Excitement rippled across the island — there was a sense that something extraordinary was about to unfold.

If done, something that would place Sri Lanka not only on the athletics map but on the world stage.

It had been nearly 55 years since Sri Lanka last won an Olympic medal, which was delivered by Duncan White in the 400 meters hurdles.

Now, more than half a century later, the tiny island nation was inching closer to another.

Among the world’s best on the track — including the formidable Marion Jones of the United States — stood Sri Lanka’s own hope: Susanthika Jayasinghe.

Amid thunderous cheers, she sprinted down the track with determination and grace, crossing the finish line as the bronze medalist in the women’s 200 meters.

The achievement sent waves of joy across a war-torn nation, uniting millions in celebration.

Jayasinghe’s victory was not just Sri Lanka’s triumph — it was Asia’s.

Until that moment, no female athlete from Asia had ever won an Olympic medal in a sprint event.

Twenty-five years have passed since that unforgettable day, and Sri Lanka has yet to replicate her feat.

Yet, the record stands proudly — Sri Lanka remains the only Asian country to produce a female Olympic sprint medalist.

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