Why Did PT Usha Lost the Bronze Medal in 1984 Olympics?
by Vignesh L
Updated May 30, 2023
PT Usha
PT Usha, whose full name is Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha, is an Indian former track and field athlete. She was born on June 27, 1964, in Kerala, India. PT Usha is widely regarded as one of India's greatest athletes and is often referred to as the "Queen of Indian Track and Field." Usha achieved significant success in sprinting and hurdles events during her career.
She specialized in the 400m hurdles and 400m sprints, but she also competed in other events such as the 100m and 200m sprints. Usha's remarkable speed, agility, and determination made her a dominant force in Indian athletics during the 1980s and early 1990s. Although she narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, PT Usha's achievements are numerous.
She won multiple medals at the Asian Games, Asian Championships, and Commonwealth Games. Usha also set several national and Asian records throughout her career, establishing herself as a trailblazer for Indian athletics. After retiring from competitive athletics, PT Usha established the Usha School of Athletics in Kerala, where she coaches and mentors young athletes.
She remains an influential figure in Indian sports and continues to inspire future generations of athletes with her remarkable journey and contributions to the world of track and field.
Why did PT Usha Lost the Bronze Medal in 1984 Olympics?
PT Usha missed out on the bronze medal in the 1984 Olympics by just 0.01 seconds. The bronze medal in the 400m hurdles was won by Cristieana Cojocaru of Romania, who edged out Usha in a photo finish. There were a few factors that contributed to Usha's loss. Firstly, there was a false start by Australian athlete Debbie Flintoff, which caused a restart of the race.
This unexpected event may have affected Usha's focus and disrupted her rhythm. Additionally, Usha mentioned that she struggled with her energy levels during the final stretch of the race. She attributed this to a forced diet of porridge and pickles at the Olympics. Usha, not being accustomed to the American food available, had to restrict her diet.
This dietary change may have impacted her performance and ability to sustain her energy levels in the crucial moments of the race. Despite the disappointment of missing out on a medal, PT Usha's performance at the 1984 Olympics remains a proud moment in her career. She came very close to securing a medal and went on to become one of India's most celebrated women's track and field athletes.
PT Usha Lost Olympics 1984
In the 1984 Olympics, PT Usha, the renowned Indian track-and-field athlete, experienced a heartbreaking loss in her quest for a medal. Competing in the 400m hurdles, she missed out on the bronze medal by a mere 0.01 seconds. The bronze was secured by Cristina Cojocaru of Romania in a photo finish that saw Usha fall just short. The race had its challenges, with a false start by another athlete causing a restart. This unexpected event may have disrupted Usha's focus and affected her rhythm.
Furthermore, Usha struggled with her energy levels during the final stretch of the race. The forced diet of porridge and pickles at the Olympics, due to her unfamiliarity with American food, may have played a role in her inability to sustain her energy levels. Despite the disappointment, PT Usha's performance at the 1984 Olympics remains a testament to her talent and dedication.
She came incredibly close to securing a medal and demonstrated her exceptional abilities as a track athlete. Usha went on to become one of India's most celebrated women in track and field, achieving numerous accolades and inspiring future generations of athletes. Her legacy continues to inspire and her story is a reminder of the fine margins that separate triumph from heartbreak in the world of sports.
Who is PT Usha Husband?
PT Usha is married to V. Srinivasan, commonly known as Srinivas. Srinivasan has been a significant figure in Usha's life, providing support and encouragement throughout her career and beyond. He played a pivotal role in her decision to return to athletics after a brief retirement in 1989. Srinivasan has been actively involved in Usha's professional life, assisting her in managing her sports academy, the Usha School of Athletics, in Kerala.
Together, they have nurtured and mentored young athletes, aiming to develop future champions and promote the growth of Indian athletics. Srinivasan's unwavering support has been instrumental in Usha's success. He has been by her side during the highs and lows of her career, providing guidance and motivation.
Their partnership has not only been a strong personal bond but also a collaborative effort in shaping the landscape of Indian sports. While Srinivasan prefers to maintain a relatively low public profile, his influence on Usha's life and career cannot be understated. Together, they have created a lasting legacy in Indian athletics, with their dedication to nurturing talent and inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams.
Why did Pt Usha Lost the Bronze Medal in 1984 Olympics - FAQs
PT Usha, whose full name is Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha, is a former Indian track and field athlete. She is considered one of India's greatest athletes and is often referred to as the "Queen of Indian Track and Field."
PT Usha specialized in the 400m hurdles and 400m sprints. She also competed in other events such as the 100m and 200m sprints.
PT Usha's major achievements include multiple medals at the Asian Games, Asian Championships, and Commonwealth Games. She also set several national and Asian records in her career.
No, PT Usha narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal. She finished fourth in the 400m hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, missing the bronze medal by just 0.01 seconds