Editorial photo #10323642 Human Interest

Mountbatten Medal 2022

Sri Lankan-born Kalya Sarada Kandegoda Gamage, 14 years old, (L) and his younger brother Kithmi Yasitha, 11 years old, look at the sea in Chrystalls Beach at Milton, about 72 kilometres to the south of Dunedin in Otago, New Zealand, on July 31, 2023. Kalya is the youngest-ever recipient of the Mountbatten Medal, a prestigious bravery award given to one member of the Commonwealth for the most gallant rescue or attempted rescue presented by the Royal Life Saving Society after rescuing his brother in monster waves and freezing conditions at Chrystalls Beach at Milton. On 27th of August last year, Kalya and his younger brother Kithmi were with their mum, paddling at the water’s edge when a wave swept Kithmi off his feet and two more large waves pulled him into the water. Then Kalya swam about 60m to rescue his brother. (Photo by Sanka Vidanagama/NurPhoto)