Ranatunge Karunananda

Ranatunga Karunananda (21 May 1936 – 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.

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.

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."

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

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.

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.