Biography of “PT Usha – Queen of track and field’’

Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha adoringly known as PT Usha “The queen of track and field“ is a legendary Indian athlete. Usha was born on 27 June 1964 in Payyoli, Kerala, India. She came from a poor family, and her parents were farmers. Usha showed an early aptitude for running, and she began winning races at a young age.

She was introduced to athletes at a very young age by her physical education trainer in school. In 1977, Usha was spotted by athletics coach O.M. Nambiar at a sports prize-distribution ceremony. Nambiar was impressed by Usha’s lean physique and fast walking style, and he offered to coach her. Usha accepted his offer, and she began training under him in earnest. Her limitless dedication towards athletics and sports gained her the name ‘Payyoli Express’, which means ‘Queen of Indian Track and Field’ in English. 

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She began her career as a sprinter and later found her strong ability in hurdles. Usha set her first national record in 1979, which marked the beginning of her eminent career. She made her debut in the Asian Games in New Delhi in 1982 where she was honored with two silver medals. 

Then she participated in the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 where she competed. During the participation she just fell by securing third place finishing that would have earned her bronze medal. And then in 1985 in the Asian Track and field championship , she won five gold and one bronze in a single game. 

Later in 1985 she was awarded the Padma Shri award and in 1984 she was awarded the Arjuna award for her contribution to Indian athletics. 

For further generation and giving the wings to zillions of girls, she founded the Usha school of Athletics in Kerala. She trained athletes as a mentor as well as a guardian including her two daughters She is also known as the best Indian athlete among all . She was a record breaker athlete and set targets for others. She also participated in the Olympics firstly in 1980 Moscow and then in 1984 (Los Angeles), 1988 in Seoul. In 1984, Usha finished fourth in the 400 m hurdles, missing out on a bronze medal by just 1/100th of a second. This is perhaps her most famous performance, and it is widely regarded as one of the greatest heartbreaks in Indian Olympic history. Despite not winning any medals, PT Usha is still considered to be one of the greatest Indian athletes of all time. She was a pioneer for Indian women’s athletics, and she inspired millions of Indians with her performances on the world stage.

Late 90’s Usha retired as an athlete but continued her journey as a coach.  

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Achievements of PT Usha :

• Asian Games:

• • • 4 gold medals (1986)

• Asian Championships:

• • • 5 gold medals (1985)
    • 1 bronze medal (1985)

• Asian Track & Field Meet:

• • • 13 gold medals (1983-1989)

• World Championships in Athletics:

• • • Reached the semi-finals of the 400 m hurdles (1987)

• National records:

• • • Holder of the national records in the 100 m, 200 m, 400 m, and 400 m hurdles events

• Awards and honors:

• • • Arjuna Award (1984)
    • Padma Shri (1985)
    • Padma Bhushan (2000)
    • Veteran Pin from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) (2019)

• Other achievements:

• • Founder and President of the Usha School of Athletics, which has produced some of India’s top track and field athletes
  • Inspiration to millions of Indians, especially young girls and women

PT Usha is one of the greatest athletes in Indian history. She has dominated Asian track and field events for over a decade, and she has inspired millions of Indians with her hard work and dedication.