Ranatunge Karunananda

Ranatunge Karunananda (21 May 1936[1] – 1975) was a Sri Lankan athlete. He was a long distance runner and represented Sri Lanka during the 1960s and 70s. He became famous in the world of athletics for what he accomplished at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.[2][3]

Ranatunge Karunananda
Personal information
NationalitySri Lankan
Born(1936-05-21)May 21, 1936
Died1975
Sport
CountrySri Lanka
SportTrack and field
Event(s)5000 metres, 10,000 metres Long-distance running
Updated on 15 October 2015.

1964 Olympics

Karunananda represented Sri Lanka in 1964 Olympics men’s 5000 meters and 10,000 meters competitions. In the 10,000 meter race, Karunananda was soon overtaken by the leading athletes and was lapped four times when the winner, Billy Mills of the United States, broke the tape to finish the race. But Karunananda continued to run alone even after the others had finished the race. Spectators first started to jeer at him. But when he came around a second time, there was silence. Finally he finished the race amid cheers and applause.[4][5]

Legacy

Japanese reporter Haruo Suzuki was one of the first reporters to have an interview with Karunananda following the race. Instantly Japanese media started to acclaim Karunananda as a hero. When questioned Karunananda told reporters: "The Olympic spirit is not to win, but to take part. So I came here. I took part in the 10,000 metres and completed my rounds."[5]

Karunananda's Olympic story has been entered into Japanese school textbooks.[2]

Death

In 1975, Karunananda had been offered a job in Japan in appreciation of his deed. But few days before he was to leave Sri Lanka, Karunananda mysteriously died, drowning in the Namal Oya tank. Some say he died in an accident and some say he was murdered. Some theories say that he just disappeared.[6]

Karunananda’s wife lost her mind following her husband’s death and the family was forced onto the streets. Later one of the relatives offered to fund and take care of his family. The Sri Lankan government did not acknowledge his legacy or look after his family.[2]

References
  1. "Ranatunge Karunananda". SportsReference.com. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2013.
  2. "Athletics: The inside story of 'Marathon Karu's' legend". Sunday Times. 2012-09-15. Archived from the original on 17 September 2012. Retrieved 2013-05-27.
  3. "Ranatunge J. KARUNANANDA - Olympic Athletics | Sri Lanka". International Olympic Committee. 2016-06-13. Retrieved 2017-09-09.
  4. "R.J.K. Karunananda: A forgotten hero". The Island. Retrieved 2013-05-27.
  5. "Sri Lanka's unsung Karunananda, a hero in Tokyo!". The Island. Retrieved 2013-05-27.
  6. "We don't need another hero!". Daily News. 2010-05-05. Archived from the original on 9 June 2010. Retrieved 2013-05-27.
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