Swimmer with Dayton ties fails to advance in Olympics

Matthew Abeysinghe is the first swimmer to quality under the Olympic Standard (B) to represent Sri Lanka in the Rio Olympic Games. He trained for the Olympics in the Dayton area. LISA POWELL /STAFF

Matthew Abeysinghe is the first swimmer to quality under the Olympic Standard (B) to represent Sri Lanka in the Rio Olympic Games. He trained for the Olympics in the Dayton area. LISA POWELL /STAFF
Sports
Aug 9, 2016
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Matthew Abeysinghe, the Sri Lankan swimmer who lived and trained in Dayton, failed to advance to the semifinals today in the 100-meter freestyle at the Olympic Aquatics Center in Rio.

Abeysinghe finished third in his heat in 50.96 seconds and 50th overall in the field of 59. The top 16 swimmers from eight heats advanced to tonight’s semifinals.

Last month Abeysinghe, 20, became the first Sri Lankan swimmer to qualify for the Olympic Games under an Olympic standard. Earlier this year he won seven gold medals, two silver and a bronze at the South Aisan Games.

ARCHDEACON: Swimmer with area ties living Olympic dream

The Abeysinghe family lived here for many years. Matthew’s father, Manoj, was a coach for the Dayton Raiders swim team. Matthew’s older brother, Andrew, graduated from Beavercreek High School. Matthew graduated from Ferguson Middle School.

The family moved back to Sri Lanka in 2010.

VIDEO: Matthew talks about representing Sri Lanka in the Olympics

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