#6 PT Usha
Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha, nicknamed the Payyoli Express was India’s first female star in the sporting arena. Even today, she is regarded as one of the greatest athletes ever produced by the nation.
She fell short of becoming India’s first female Olympic medalist by 1/100th of a second in the 400 meters hurdle in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Remembering that missed opportunity, Usha once said that back then she did not know that the difference between 55.42 seconds and 55.41 seconds would make such a difference to her life.
Understandably, she termed it as the biggest disappointment of her life. Nevertheless, the golden girl will find a mention whenever there is a discussion of great Indian athletes.
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