Since 1979, she has been associated with Indian athletics and is the first Indian woman to reach the final of an Olympic event early in 1984. She is popularly known as the Payyoli Express. She currently runs the Usha School of Athletics at Koyilandy in Kerala. She is regarded as one of the greatest athletes India has ever produced and is often called the “queen of Indian track and field”. She currently holds the world record for most gold medals earned by a female athlete in a single track meet.
She was honored with INDIAN WOMEN ACHIEVERS AWARD by the President of India on January 20, 2018 at New Delhi
