The story of Gamini, the bell boy at America Hotel, who won the marathon gold medal

If someone told you that age or profession is never an obstacle to achieving your dreams, would you believe it? Recently, a story emerged from America about a proud man who conquered the world, not by succumbing to the harsh realities of life, but by embracing unwavering perseverance and strong self-confidence.

Gamini Sugathadasa, of Sri Lankan origin, won the gold medal in the 55–59 age category at the world-renowned 130th Boston Marathon in 2026, which concluded on Monday, April 20th. The fact that he took a very short time of 2 hours, 36 minutes, and 32 seconds to achieve his winning goal drew everyone's special attention. This is the best performance by a Sri Lankan in this age group on American soil, and it will undoubtedly be etched in golden letters in the country's sports history.

Gamini, who immigrated from Sri Lanka to the United States in 1999, currently works as a 'Bellman' at the 'Four Seasons' hotel in Las Vegas, carrying luggage for guests. As a single father, he dedicated time for his training with great commitment after finishing his strenuous job of standing all day and lifting heavy bags for hotel guests. He developed a passion for running after seeing athletes wearing medals with smiling faces after finishing marathons. Accordingly, he started his athletic journey relatively late in life, around the age of 40.

The Boston Marathon, which began in 1897, is the world's oldest and most challenging annual marathon. Held in Massachusetts, USA, it is also considered one of the six major marathons in the world (Abbott World Marathon Majors). Over 30,000 athletes from numerous countries worldwide participated in this year's race, which covers a distance of 42.195 kilometers (26 miles and 385 yards). The value of his victory in this race, which runs through an extremely difficult hilly road system like "Heartbreak Hill", surpassing the world's best runners, is immeasurable. He had previously won a bronze medal at the 2025 New York Marathon.

How he, who spent much of his life as an ordinary employee, a bellboy in a hotel, became the first Sri Lankan in history to complete all six major marathons in the world, is still an unbelievable secret to many. Gamini, a devout Catholic, ran this year's race, his sixth Boston Marathon, holding a cross of Jesus in his hands, proclaiming his strong religious faith to the world. No factor, such as work fatigue, responsibilities as a single father, or age, became an obstacle to his journey.

Gamini Sugathadasa, who often says, "Never give up and keep moving forward," instills an immeasurable, undying hope in the hearts of every ordinary person around the world who is lost amidst various difficulties in life.