P. T. Usha was one of India's best-known women athletes. She remained the queen of track and field for almost two decades. P.T. Usha was fondly called the "Payyoli express" and the golden girl because of her awesome speed on the track.

~~~~~~~Achievements And Accolades~~~~~~~

Through out her illustrious carrier, Usha won many national as well as international awards. P. T. Usha has won 33 international medals including 13 Gold medals in the Asian Games and Asian Championships. In all, Usha has won thirty International Awards, for her excellence in Athletics. P. T. Usha received the Arjuna Award in 1984. The next year she was adjudged the best women athlete the Jakarta Asian Athlete Meet. She was also awarded the Padma Shree in 1984. In the Seoul Asian games of 1986, Usha won the Adidas golden Shoe award for the best athlete. P. T. Usha was named the 'Sportsperson of the Century' by the Indian Olympic Association.

~~~~~~~Turning Point~~~~~~~

As a child Usha showed an early aptitude for sports. This won her a scholarship of Rs. 250 from the Kerala government and led Usha to a special sports school at Cannore. In 1979 Usha participated in the National School Games. It was here that O. M. Nambiar (who coached her throughout most of her career) spotted her. He realized that this girl had a great potential. This proved the turning point of...