P.T. Usha, often referred to as the “Queen of Indian Track and Field”, was one of India’s most successful athletes, particularly in sprint and hurdles events. Her remarkable achievements, both on the Asian and Olympic stages, made her a trailblazer in Indian athletics. Here’s a closer look at her career:

• P.T. Usha made her Olympic debut at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Though she did not win a medal, her participation marked the beginning of her long and illustrious career in international athletics.
• Usha gained global attention at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where she finished fourth in the 400 m hurdles by a mere 1/100th of a second, narrowly missing out on a bronze medal. This near-miss performance was a turning point in her career and earned her recognition as one of the best hurdlers in the world.
• She participated again in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, continuing to represent India on the global stage, though she did not secure a medal.
• Usha’s final Olympic appearance came in 1992 at the Barcelona Olympics, further cementing her reputation as one of the leading figures in Indian athletics over a span of four Olympic Games.
• P.T. Usha’s dominance in Asian Games is evident in her impressive haul of gold medals and other podium finishes.
  • 1982 Asian Games (New Delhi): She won four gold medals (200 m, 400 m, 400 m hurdles, and 4×400 m relay), along with a silver in the 100 m race, making her one of the most decorated athletes of the 1982 Asian Games.
  • 1986 Asian Games (Seoul): Usha continued her success in the 1986 Asian Games, winning additional medals, including two gold medals in the 200 m and 400 m hurdles events, and solidifying her position as India’s top athlete in sprint events.
  • 1990 Asian Games (Beijing): Though she didn’t achieve the same level of success as in 1982 or 1986, she still contributed valuable performances in the Asian Games.
  • 1994 Asian Games (Hiroshima): P.T. Usha participated in her last Asian Games in 1994 and continued to maintain her status as one of India’s premier athletes.
  • 1998 Asian Games (Bangkok): She made her final appearance at the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok, continuing to represent India with dedication.
• P.T. Usha competed in five Asian Track and Field (ATF) meets from 1980 to 1998. During these events, she consistently won multiple gold medals in sprint and hurdles events, dominating the track and becoming a central figure in Asian athletics.

Shiny Wilson was one of India’s foremost middle-distance runners, and her career was marked by consistent success in the 800 m and 400 m events. She represented India with distinction across multiple international competitions, including the Asian Games, Asian Track and Field Meets, and other major championships.

• Shiny Wilson represented India 72 times in international meets between 1981 and 1995, contributing significantly to the country’s athletic performances.
• One of her career highlights came at the 1995 ATF Meet in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she won the 800 m event, marking the conclusion of her major career.

• Wilson made a notable debut in the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi, where she earned a bronze medal in the 400 m event.
• She further solidified her credentials by earning medals in subsequent Asian Games, continuing to make her mark in the 400 m and 800 m events.

• Shiny Wilson is particularly remembered for her 800 m performances, where she became one of India’s top middle-distance runners.
• Her career is defined by her longevity and consistency in representing India in international meets, establishing her as a key figure in Indian athletics.

Both P.T. Usha and Shiny Wilson made significant contributions to the growth and recognition of Indian athletics on the global stage, particularly in sprint and middle-distance running events. Their performances continue to inspire future generations of athletes in India.