The Inspiring Journey of Tharusha Perera in Open Water Swimming

Tharusha Perera, a student in Year 12 living in Melbourne, has a deep appreciation for the experience of swimming in open water. He expresses this enthusiasm in an interview with ABC Sport, where he describes the thrill and unpredictability of being in the ocean, stating that it introduced him to a remarkable new world. The sensation of battling elements like waves and weather without any control adds a unique thrill to the sport.

Having moved to Australia from Sri Lanka at the tender age of two and a half, Tharusha’s father, Kasun, recognized the necessity for his son to learn to swim, enrolling him in lessons early on. Tharusha recalls that his parents thought swimming lessons would be vital for survival. As he matured, he discovered a genuine affinity for swimming, which stood out among the various sports he tried as a child. At age nine, he joined a swim club, signaling the start of his competitive swimming journey.

Tharusha has progressed significantly since those beginnings, gravitating towards longer distance events like the 800m and 1,500m races. His perspective expanded at age eleven when his coach, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Kelly Stubbins, encouraged him to explore open water swimming. This new challenge captivated him, and he now competes for a place on the podium in both the 5km and 10km races at the Australian Open Water Swimming Championships.

Physical stature played a role in Tharusha's transition to open water swimming; standing shorter than many of his competitors made sprint events more challenging for him. He humorously acknowledges the difficulties of racing against much taller athletes, noting that height matters less in open water, where stamina and executing a race strategy are crucial. This realization has become a source of confidence for him, allowing him to excel in his chosen discipline.

Beyond personal success, Tharusha is driven by a commitment to serve as a role model within his community. Statistics from Royal Life Saving Australia reveal alarming drowning rates among weak swimmers, particularly those born outside Australia, a category that includes many migrants like his own family. With research indicating that a significant proportion of immigrants from South Asia cannot swim, Tharusha sees the importance of visibility in the sport.

He hopes to encourage others, particularly from the South Asian diaspora which traditionally prioritizes cricket over swimming, to embrace open water swimming. Tharusha aims to pave the way for future generations, showcasing the opportunities that swimming presents and inspiring others to engage with the water safely.