One fine morning in 1991, dressed in a Sri Lankan jersey gifted by athlete Ajith Dharmasena, he set out on a jogging routine. That's when Dissanayake realised his middle distance potential and made him concentrate on the 1,500- and 800-metre races. What followed was a relentless rain of titles and medals in 14 international meets till he pulled out injured from the Sri Lankan Olympic squad in 2002. The year 1999 witnessed two milestones - a job as middle distance coach with the Ministry of Sports and wedding to his childhood heartthrob. I have the knowledge which I had acquired as a middle distance coach in Sri Lanka.

Source: Sunday Times February 10, 2018 06:00 UTC