P. T. Usha revisits iconic track career amid 1980s social media trend

Legendary sprinter and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P. T. Usha recently shared nostalgic photographs from her competitive track days on social media, participating in a viral trend centered on the 1980s.

Known as the ‘Payyoli Express’, Usha is a historic figure in Indian athletics. She was the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic athletics final, finishing fourth in the 400m hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Her career highlights include securing India's first athletics medal at the 1982 Asian Games and winning four gold medals at the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul.

Following her athletic career, Usha transitioned into sports administration. She is currently the first woman to lead the IOA and is involved with the Usha School of Athletics in Kerala, which focuses on developing young track-and-field talent.