Sri Lankan weightlifter Ransilu Jayathilaka has made history by winning a gold medal at the Arnold Sports Festival in the United States, marking a major milestone for Sri Lanka in the 37-year history of the event.
Competing in the 120kg Pro category, Jayathilaka secured victory by successfully lifting 320kg in the deadlift event, delivering a record-breaking performance and becoming the first Sri Lankan to win a gold medal at the prestigious international competition.
The Arnold Sports Festival, which is being held this weekend in Columbus, Ohio, has brought together thousands of athletes and fans from around the world at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger and the late Jim Lorimer, the longtime mayor and deputy mayor of Worthington, the annual festival features a wide range of competitions including bodybuilding, powerlifting, boxing, martial arts, and dance.
More than 20,000 athletes from around the world compete in dozens of sporting events at the festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators over several days.
