• Asian record holder and Lankan athletic prodigy speaks 

After a lapse of a few months, we re-connected with Tharushi Karunarathna, the young woman who brought immense honour to Sri Lanka by dominating the Asian track and field arena. 

Currently residing and studying in the faraway United States, Tharushi has been focused on a gruelling transition period. 

While she may not have been in the headlines daily, her silence was merely the preamble to a new surge of success. 

Recently, she shattered expectations by setting a new Asian record in the women’s 600-metre event at the Charlie Thomas Invitational Indoor Athletics Championships.

The Daily Morning caught up with her remotely to discuss the nuances of training in the US, the challenges of balancing a rigorous academic schedule, and her unwavering commitment to the Lion flag.

‎Below are the excerpts from the interview, 

Tharushi, after a period of relative silence and transition, you recently made headlines by setting the Asian indoor record in the women’s 600m. How does it feel to be back in the record books, and how is this shaping your preparation for the new season?

‎It truly feels like a weight has been lifted. To be honest, it was after quite a long time that I was able to record a time that reflected my true potential and the hard work I have been putting in behind the scenes. Recording a time of 1 minute and 28.92 seconds was a personal milestone, but finding out it was verified as an Asian indoor record made it incredibly special.

The "silence" people noticed wasn’t a lack of activity; it was a period of recalibration. Moving to the US meant adjusting to new tracks, a new climate, and a different style of coaching. Now that the new season has officially commenced, this record has given me a massive confidence boost. I have already ramped up my training intensity with the specific aim of peaking during the upcoming international window. I want to ensure that this record is just the starting block for what is to come this year.

The global athletic calendar is looking busy, with the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games on the horizon. Is your heart still set on representing Sri Lanka on those major stages?

Definitely. There is no greater pride for me than wearing the Sri Lankan jersey and hearing our national anthem played at a stadium. While I am currently based in America, my ultimate loyalty remains with my motherland.

In the immediate future, I will be competing in several American university competitions. These are vital because the collegiate system here is incredibly competitive—it’s like a mini-World Championship every weekend. My primary goal for the first half of the year is to participate in these meets, record consistently fast times, and secure my ranking. Once I have solidified my form here, I hope to transition back to the national squad to represent Sri Lanka in the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games. I am coming home to represent Lanka; that has always been the plan.

Your first mentor and the man who was often described as the "shadow" behind your success, Susantha Fernando, recently retired. How do you reflect on his influence now that you are training thousands of miles away?

My coach, Susantha Fernando, was much more than just a trainer; he was the primary inspiration for my entire sporting career. It was bittersweet to hear of his retirement, though he certainly retired with the great honour he deserves. The service he rendered to the history of Sri Lankan athletics is immeasurable and can never truly be forgotten. He didn't just train athletes; he built characters. He has been able to produce a generation of talented athletes who are now holding their own at the international level.

He is an incredibly humble man. Even now, despite the distance and the fact that I am training under a different system in the US, he remains a constant presence in my life. He often checks in on my progress, reviews my training logs, and offers the kind of fatherly advice and technical guidance that only someone who knows my running style perfectly can provide. That level of dedication is something I appreciate more than words can say. Although I was unable to fly back for Sir’s formal retirement ceremony, I carry his lessons with me every time I step onto the track. I sincerely wish him the very best in his future endeavours; he has earned his rest, but his legacy runs through all of us.

If you compare the skills and form you displayed while training in Sri Lanka to your current technical abilities in the US, what kind of evolution do you see in yourself?

It has been a journey of patience. To be completely candid, it took me a significant amount of time to find my rhythm here. In Sri Lanka, I was used to a certain environment and a specific way of peaking at the right time for events. When I first arrived in the US, I went through a period where I found it difficult to reach my best. Even in the smaller tournaments, I struggled to hit my maximum gears. It can be mentally taxing when you know what you are capable of, but your body isn't quite translating that onto the track.

However, I didn't let that discourage me. I stayed disciplined, continued to practice the fundamentals, and gradually adapted to the high-intensity indoor circuits. That persistence is how I was able to reach the Asian indoor record recently. I feel like I am finally "clicking" with the American system. I’ve become more tactically aware and physically stronger. I believe I now have the ability to record even better timings in the coming months.

The sporting infrastructure in Sri Lanka and the United States is poles apart. What are your honest thoughts on the benefits of training abroad, and how has the support system there helped you hone your craft?

The difference is quite stark, particularly regarding technology and the depth of competition. In my opinion, going abroad for the development of one’s sporting career is about much more than just better tracks; it’s about gaining a global perspective. You get to learn diverse training methodologies, utilise advanced sports science and recovery technology, and face a variety of competitors who push you to your absolute limit.

This environment develops an athlete's discipline and mental fortitude. When you are a "small fish in a big pond" here, you have to work twice as hard to be noticed. Working at your best in a completely foreign environment gives you the internal strength to turn challenges into victories. It forces you to grow up quickly. I believe training abroad is an essential step for any Sri Lankan athlete looking to bridge the gap between regional success and Olympic-level performance. It provides both the physical tools and the mental resilience required for the world stage.

In the US collegiate system, the term "student-athlete" is taken very seriously. How are you managing the delicate balance between your degree and your track commitments?

It is certainly a challenge! I am currently in my second year of university, and we are about three weeks into the new academic term. In the US, if your grades slip, you aren't allowed to compete, so the stakes are high both on the track and in the classroom.

At this point, my academic work is going well. The university provides excellent support, but it requires a lot of self-discipline. My days are strictly scheduled: early morning training sessions, followed by lectures, then back to the track or the gym, and finally ending the night with study and assignments. Balancing the two aspects has taught me a lot about time management. You can't afford to procrastinate when you have a race on Saturday and an exam on Monday.

Finally, you have become a role model for many young girls and boys back home. What is your message to the junior athletes in Sri Lanka who dream of following in your footsteps?

I would urge all junior athletes to embrace the grind. Dedicate yourselves to your training every single day, even on the days when you don't feel like getting out of bed. Never limit your abilities based on what others say is possible. Always be a student of the game—use every race, whether you win or lose, as a learning experience.

Growth doesn't come from easy victories; it comes from facing challenges that scare you. Learn discipline early on, because talent will only get you to the door—discipline is what carries you through it. Victories are wonderful and necessary for your career, but the true reward is the person you become through the struggle. Stay humble, stay hungry, and always remember who you are running for.‎