P.T. Usha made history as the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic final, narrowly missing a medal in the 400 metres hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics by just 1/100th of a second. Born on May 20, 1964, in Payyoli, Kerala, she earned the nickname "Payyoli Express" for her blistering speed. Usha was discovered by coach O.M. Nambiar at the 1979 National School Games and soon rose to prominence. She represented India at the 1980 Moscow Olympics and won silver medals in the 100m and 200m events at the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi.

Her breakthrough came in the 1983 Asian Track and Field Championship in Kuwait, where she won gold in the 400m and set a new Asian record. At the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul, Usha dominated by winning four gold medals and one silver, setting records in every event she competed in. Her outstanding achievements brought her the Padma Shri and the Arjuna Award in 1985. P.T. Usha remains an icon in Indian athletics, inspiring generations of athletes across the country.