Dulanitha Mendis, representing Australia at the Under-20s World Junior Ultimate Championship in Birmingham, England, reflects on a journey that intertwines her Sri Lankan roots with her Australian upbringing.
“I was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, a country rich in culture and tradition. When I was just two years old, my family made the life-changing decision to move to Australia. We settled in Melbourne, where I grew up immersed in the vibrant blend of Sri Lankan customs and the Australian lifestyle,” Dulanitha shared.
“Sports always fascinated me, but ultimate frisbee became my true passion. It combines soccer’s endurance, football’s aerial passing, and basketball’s continuous movement, emphasizing teamwork, strategy, and endurance,” she continued.
Dulanitha’s ultimate frisbee journey began at John Monash Science School, where teacher Sarah Adolph introduced her to the sport. “From state tournaments to playing for Victoria and now for Terra, representing Australia is an incredible honour. Yet, I also proudly carry my Sri Lankan heritage,” she added.
Balancing her first-year nursing studies at Monash University with intensive frisbee training taught Dulanitha resilience and time management. “My dedication to both fields reflects my commitment to making a difference, whether in patient care or excelling in sports,” she affirmed.
