WEIGHT OF GLORY

RANSILU JAYATHILAKE

Ransilu Jayathilake’s story is one of perseverance. Every chapter of his life has been shaped by a determination to overcome obstacles and

keep pushing forward.

As a seven-time Asian, three-time Commonwealth and three-time Asia-Pacific champion, as well as an Asian deadlift record-holder, he has forged an outstanding career through discipline, grit and an unwavering belief in overcoming adversity.

Yet, beyond the medals and records is a man whose sights remain firmly set on achieving weightier accomplishments in the sport he loves.

Prashanthi Cooray chronicles Ransilu’s journey ofresilience, discipline and sporting excellence.

Growing up in a household where barbells and weight plates were part of everyday life, lifting was woven into his DNA. His father is renowned fitness trainer Mothilal Jayathilake, who dreamed of seeing his son represent Sri Lanka on the world stage.

Although Ransilu pursued rugby in school, he eventually embraced the sport that would define his life, and in doing so, fulfilled his father’s dream in spectacular fashion.

Today, he ranks among Sri Lanka’s most accomplished powerlifters, consistently pushing the sport to new heights on the regional and international stages. His breakthrough came earlier this year at the Arnold Sports Festival in Ohio, where he secured two gold medals and became the first Sri Lankan and Asian athlete to claim the prestigious Arnold Pro Belt.

This victory was the culmination of years of dominance at the Asian Weightlifting Championships, Asia Pacific Champion-ships and World Classic Open Cham-pionship in Dubai – achievements that have placed him among the sport’s elite.

Yet, medals alone don’t define him. His journey has been one of resilience as much as strength. Through triumphs, setbacks and hours under the bar, one principle has guided him: Every man fails – but champions simply get back up and start all over again.

Away from the world of competition, Ransilu’s greatest source of strength is his family. Home is his anchor – the one place where he finds comfort, perspective and strength. It’s also his greatest wish to win a world championship medal with his family watching, and share that moment with those who have stood by him through every sacrifice, disappointment and triumph.

There is also a lighter side to the man. He laughs that his pet peeve is “seeing everything as liftable” while his quirkiest talent is “making the iron obey me.”

Sunday is his favourite day to recharge. The Hulk is his fictional hero of choice while Kobe Bryant’s The Mamba Mentality: How I Play fuels his pursuit of excellence. If he could instantly master another skill, it would be singing. He also admits that his signature dance move is little more than a playful shoulder twist.

Among those he admires most is sprint legend Susanthika Jayasinghe, whose achievements inspire him to push beyond perceived limits. Looking back, the one moment he would most like to relive is his first international victory – the occasion that confirmed that years of sacrifice had been worthwhile.

Despite being one of Asia’s most decorated powerlifters, Ransilu insists that the greatest reward is the love and respect he has received from fellow Sri Lankans. This appreciation only strengthens his determination to continue flying the lion flag high and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

When asked how he hopes to be remembered, his answer is characteristically bold: “As the strongest Sri Lankan who has ever lived.” While it is an ambitious aspiration, it’s supported by a career that has continually redefined what Sri Lankan powerlifting can achieve.

Without his family, his sport and his determination, he confesses that he would be lost. Together, they form the foundation of everything he has achieved and everything he still hopes to accomplish.

His personal motto says it best: “Life is not fair – keep fighting against all the odds.” For Ransilu, those words form the philosophy that has carried him from a young boy lifting weights in his father’s gym to a history making champion standing atop one of the world’s largest stages.

And if his journey so far is any indication, the greatest chapter is still waiting to be written.