P. T. Usha (Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha), also known as the “Queen of Indian Track and Field,” is one of India’s most iconic and celebrated athletes. She dominated Indian athletics for nearly two decades, inspiring generations of athletes. Usha was renowned for her speed and athletic prowess, particularly in sprinting and hurdles, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest female athletes in the history of Indian sports.
Early Life and Background
P. T. Usha was born on June 27, 1964, in the village of Payyoli, in the Kozhikode district of Kerala, India. She came from a modest background and displayed an early interest in athletics. Her talent in running was noticed when she was very young, and by the age of 12, she was competing in district-level competitions.
Her potential was recognized by the Kerala State Government, which awarded her a scholarship to attend the Sports Division at Kannur, where she received professional training. Her talent flourished under the coaching of O. M. Nambiar, who would go on to become her lifelong mentor and coach. Nambiar’s training played a crucial role in transforming Usha from a local talent into an international sports star.
Career Highlights
P. T. Usha’s athletic career began in the late 1970s and reached its peak during the 1980s. Over the years, she competed in several international tournaments and brought home numerous medals for India.
Asian Games Success
Usha’s first major international appearance was at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi, where she won silver medals in the 100 meters and 200 meters events. This marked the beginning of her dominance in Asian athletics, and she became a household name in India.
Her biggest successes came in the 1986 Asian Games held in Seoul, where Usha won four gold medals (in the 200 meters, 400 meters, 400 meters hurdles, and 4×400 meters relay) and one silver medal (in the 100 meters). This extraordinary performance cemented her reputation as one of the best athletes in Asia.
1984 Los Angeles Olympics
One of Usha’s most famous and heartbreaking moments came at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She became the first Indian woman to reach the finals of an Olympic track event, competing in the 400 meters hurdles. In a dramatic and intense final, Usha finished fourth, missing the bronze medal by just 1/100th of a second (0.01 seconds). Despite not winning a medal, her performance at the Olympics made her a symbol of perseverance and excellence in Indian sports. Her near-miss in the Olympic final is still remembered as one of the closest and most poignant moments in Indian athletics history.
Asian Championships
Usha’s dominance in the Asian Athletics Championships was unmatched. Over the course of her career, she won 23 medals, including 14 golds, across multiple editions of the competition. Her versatility as an athlete allowed her to excel in a variety of events, from sprints to hurdles and relays.
World Junior Athletics Championships
At the World Junior Athletics Championships in 1980, held in Seoul, Usha set an Asian best in the 200 meters and 400 meters races. This early success on the world stage indicated her future potential.
Athletic Style and Strengths
Usha’s strengths lay in her speed, stamina, and remarkable work ethic. She was known for her graceful yet powerful running style, which allowed her to excel in sprints and hurdle events. Her ability to maintain a high pace over long distances made her one of the top contenders in the 400 meters, an event that requires a unique combination of speed and endurance.
Her rigorous training regimen, developed under the guidance of O. M. Nambiar, involved long hours of practice, focusing on both physical conditioning and technical perfection. Usha’s dedication to her craft and her fierce competitiveness helped her rise to the top of Indian athletics.
