P.T. Usha, often referred to as the “Golden Girl” of Indian athletics, is a name synonymous with track and field success in India. Her remarkable achievements have inspired countless athletes across the country. PT Usha, often referred to as the “Payyoli Express,” narrowly missed winning an Olympic medal in athletics at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. In the 400 meters hurdles final, she finished in fourth place, missing the bronze medal by just 1/100th of a second. This near-miss remains one of the closest finishes in Olympic history and is a significant moment in Indian sports.
In the summer of 1984, P.T. Usha arrived at the Los Angeles Olympics with high hopes. She had been in excellent form, having set numerous records and won multiple medals at the Asian Games and other international competitions. The 400m hurdles was a relatively new event for her, but Usha’s speed, agility, and determination made her a formidable competitor.
How PT Usha missed out on a historic Olympic medal?
The preliminary rounds saw Usha advancing with ease, setting a new Asian record and raising hopes for India’s first Olympic medal in track and field. As the finals approached, the nation held its breath, anticipating history in the making. The final race was intense, with strong contenders from across the world, including Judy Brown-King from the United States and Cristieana Cojocaru from Romania.
On August 8, 1984, the final of the women’s 400m hurdles took place. Usha, running in lane five, got off to a strong start, maintaining a steady pace and clearing each hurdle with precision. As she entered the final stretch, it became clear that the race was incredibly close. With every ounce of strength, Usha pushed towards the finish line, neck and neck with her competitors.
The moment of truth came as the runners crossed the finish line. Usha had clocked a time of 55.42 seconds, an outstanding performance by any standard. However, the bronze medal eluded her by the narrowest of margins-just 1/100th of a second. Cristieana Cojocaru of Romania finished third with a time of 55.41 seconds, securing the bronze medal in one of the closest finishes in Olympic history.
PT Usha inspires generations of Indian athletes
This minuscule margin, the slimmest possible, highlighted the cruel nature of competitive sports. For PT Usha, it was a moment of profound disappointment, having come so agonisingly close to clinching India’s first track and field medal in the Olympics. Yet, this near-miss did not diminish her stature. Instead, it elevated her as a symbol of perseverance and excellence in Indian athletics.
Usha’s performance in 1984 inspired generations of Indian athletes and brought attention to the potential of Indian sportswomen on the global stage. Despite the heartbreak, her legacy endures as a testament to her remarkable talent and indomitable spirit. The story of PT Usha’s 1/100th second miss is not just about a lost medal but a celebration of her incredible journey and the hope she instilled in millions of aspiring athletes across India.