The Inspirational Journey of a Sri Lankan-Australian Athlete Conquering Global Stages
Melbourne-based powerlifter Dr. Ruwan Paul, age 55, has become an iconic figure in international powerlifting, defying challenges and achieving milestones that set him apart in the world of competitive sports. With a career spanning decades and an extraordinary record of victories, hel has brought glory to both Australia and his native Sri Lanka.
Early Life and Start in Powerlifting
His journey into powerlifting is rooted in resilience and passion for sports. Having joined the Navy in 1987, he cultivated a background in discipline and physical fitness early on. His career included a stint studying for an engineering degree at the University of Hull in England before returning to Sri Lanka. His service was marked by courage, but multiple injuries led to weight gain, steering him away from fast-paced sports. However, his deep-seated love for athletics persevered as he found a new path through powerlifting, a sport that enabled him to channel his strength despite physical setbacks.
Achievements and Rankings
His accomplishments in powerlifting are unparalleled. Starting with his debut at the World Masters Games in Adelaide in 2018, he immediately set a precedent by breaking the Australian national record with a 221 kg lift. His performance opened doors with Powerlifting Australia, propelling him into international competitions.
Since then, Dr. Ruwan Paul has amassed an impressive array of medals and accolades:
- Asia Pacific Championships (Hong Kong): Two gold medals
- New Zealand Competitions: Two gold medals
- Oceania Championships: Three-time participant, earning six gold medals in total
- World Championships (Rome, Italy): Secured two gold medals, competing against top athletes from around the globe
In 2024, he made history again at the World Powerlifting Championship in Sydney, held at the New Zealand Exhibition Centre, earning two golds and one silver medal. Significantly, this marked the first time he represented Sri Lanka at a world competition after founding the Powerlifting Sri Lanka Federation. Alongside him, his Australian wife, Lidia, made history as the first white woman to represent Sri Lanka, earning two golds and one silver medal. Together, they brought home six medals, a feat unmatched in powerlifting records.
Dr. Ruwan Paul’s rankings, available on Open Powerlifting, showcase his status among the elite in the sport.
Challenges and Motivation
The road to success has not been without obstacles. “Lifting itself is not the hardest part, but managing injuries is crucial,” Dr. Paul explains. Throughout his career, he has faced shoulder, back, and knee issues, particularly when lifting weights of 250 kg or more. His expertise in sports science has allowed him to recover independently, without the aid of a coach—a testament to his vast experience and self-reliance. Despite the physical toll, his commitment remains unwavering, underpinned by rigorous self-recovery techniques and meticulous attention to nutrition and rest.
Community and Support
While Dr. Ruwan Paul has gained global recognition, local support has been minimal. “The Dandenong Council Mayor Jim Memeti once supported me with a donation, but otherwise, there has been little backing from the Sri Lankan community,” he notes. This lack of recognition only fuels his determination to give back, inspiring younger generations to pursue powerlifting and revive the legacy of Sri Lanka’s storied warriors, the “Dasa Maha Yodayo.”
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Powerlifting in Sri Lanka
Dr. Ruwan Paul’s ambitions go beyond his personal achievements. He is building a world-class training facility at the Riverside Hotel, near Colombo’s airport, equipped with over 50 million Sri Lankan rupees worth of equipment. In 2025, this facility will host an international competition sanctioned by World Powerlifting, welcoming over 500 athletes and 2,000 international visitors. This event promises to place Sri Lanka on the global powerlifting map, with competitors from prestigious countries such as the U.S., England, Germany, Italy, and Australia.
Dr. Ruwan Paul’s journey stands as a testament to the power of resilience, ambition, and a relentless spirit. As he prepares for his next competition in New Zealand, the world will be watching, inspired by a champion who continues to break barriers and redefine the sport.
𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞, 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥!
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