Julian Bolling (born 19 June 1966) is a Sri Lankan medal-winning swimmer celebrated for his remarkable achievements in the 1980s and early 1990s. Fondly remembered as the poster boy of Sri Lankan swimming during this period, Bolling’s career is marked by his impressive haul of 15 gold medals at the South Asian Games between 1984 and 1991. He also represented Sri Lanka in three consecutive Olympic Games: Los Angeles (1984), Seoul (1988), and Barcelona (1992), becoming the first Sri Lankan to achieve this feat.
Early Life and Background
Julian Bolling was born into a family with a strong swimming pedigree. His mother, Tara Bolling (née De Saram), was a standout swimmer who represented Ceylon at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. She also coached Julian from 1982, playing a crucial role in shaping his swimming career. His cousin, Dipika Chanmugam, also represented Sri Lanka internationally, while his grandfather, Fredrick de Saram, was a cricketer known for his involvement in the attempted military coup of 1962.
Swimming Career
Julian Bolling began swimming competitively while attending Royal College, Colombo. His first major international exposure came in 1979 at an age group meet in India. Alongside his elder brothers, Jeromy and David Bolling, Julian showcased his talent at the 1979 Indo-Sri Lankan-Bangladesh Swimming Triangular Meet.
Bolling made his debut at the Asian Games in 1982, where he secured sixth-place finishes in the men’s 400m and 1500m freestyle events and a seventh-place finish in the men’s 400m individual medley. He continued to compete at the Asian Games, participating again in 1986.
One of Bolling’s most memorable performances was at the Colombo South Asian Games, where he won six gold medals. His victories in the men’s 200m freestyle, 400m freestyle, 1500m freestyle, 200m butterfly, 4 × 200m freestyle relay, and 400m individual medley events in 1991 cemented his reputation as South Asia’s best swimmer at the time.
Despite contemplating quitting swimming just weeks before the 1991 South Asian Games due to pressure and expectations, Bolling made a triumphant comeback, thanks to his mother’s encouragement. He also dabbled in water polo, participating in events in Kolkata and Thailand in 1992.
Bolling’s record of most gold medals in a single South Asian Games event stood until 2016, when Matthew Abeysinghe surpassed it by winning seven golds.
Post-Swimming Career and Recognition
In recognition of his contributions to sport, Julian Bolling was awarded the Deshabandu, the third-highest national honor in Sri Lanka, in 1988. He later served as a coach for the Rainbow Aquatic Club and was appointed as a member of the National Sports Council. In January 2022, he was elected as a committee member of the Sri Lanka Olympians.
Activism
Beyond his sporting achievements, Julian Bolling has also been active in social and political causes. In June 2022, he and Transparency International Sri Lanka filed a petition in the Supreme Court, calling for action against 13 individuals they deemed responsible for the economic crisis in Sri Lanka. On 17 August 2022, he was summoned by the Criminal Investigation Department to provide statements regarding his involvement in mass anti-government protests on 9 July 2022.
Conclusion
Julian Bolling’s legacy in Sri Lankan swimming is unparalleled. His contributions as an athlete and his ongoing commitment to social justice and activism make him a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s history. His journey from a young swimmer to an Olympic athlete and later an advocate for change continues to inspire many in Sri Lanka and beyond.
