Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha, better known as P.T Usha will always be one of the most inspiring women of our times! She is and will always remain India’s pride! The talented athlete is not only a successful star on the tracks but also a humble and beautiful human being! She now works as an officer in the Indian Railways in Kerala and has set up an institute to train young athletes. As the ‘Golden Girl’ of India still continues to inspire millions of women today, we do a round up on her achievements and some interesting facts!!!
- P.T Usha was born in the town of Payyoli in Kozhikode, Kerala! Now we know why she’s given the nickname ‘Payyoli Express’.
- While she was participating in the National School Games in 1979, coach O. M Nambiar noticed her, trained her and mentored her throughout her career.
- Usha won a Silver medal in the 100 metre and 200 metre race during the 1982 Asiad Games, in New Delhi.
- In the year 1983, she earned Gold medal in the 400 metre race in the Asian Track and Field Championship in Kuwait.
- In a thrilling finish of the 1984 Olympics, she lost the Bronze medal in the 400 metre Hurdles with an infinitesimal difference of 1/100th of a second.
- At the 1985 Jakarta Asian Athletic Meet, she won as many as 5 Gold medals and 1 Bronze medal.
- Usha bagged 4 Gold medals and 1 Silver in 1986 Asiad Games.
- The Golden Gild was felicitated with the Arjuna Award in 1984 and Padma Shri in the same year.
- Usha also won the ‘Adidas Golden Shoe’ award for the Best Athlete in Seoul Olympics, 1986.
- We are extremly proud of her!!!