"When are you going to break it?": Vithya Ramraj on Shattering PT Usha's Record
Indian athlete Vithya Ramraj discusses breaking PT Usha's legendary 400m hurdles record at the Asian Games and her journey to sporting stardom.
Indian track sensation Vithya Ramraj has finally answered the question that had been lingering in the sporting community for years. By shattering a legendary national record at the ongoing Asian Games in Japan, the athlete has not only etched her name in the history books but has also surpassed a milestone held by none other than the "Payyoli Express," PT Usha.
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony organized by Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna, Vithya opened up about the immense psychological pressure and the ultimate triumph of breaking a 42-year-old record that many thought might stand for decades.
The Moment History Was Made
Vithya's performance in the women's 400m hurdles was nothing short of spectacular. She clocked a personal best of 54.75 seconds to secure a bronze medal, effectively erasing PT Usha's long-standing national record of 55.42 seconds, which was set during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Reflecting on the achievement, Vithya revealed that the drive to surpass the mark came from within. "I am so happy. I am so proud of it because everywhere I—in the last three years, I did not break the record; I equalled it," she shared. "But my mind was saying, 'When are you going to break it?' Everyone would ask the question, 'You equalled Ma'am's record, when are you going to break it?' So, I did that."
She added with a sense of accomplishment, "After everyone said it, I created history, I think, as Vithya Ramraj."
A Triple Medal Haul in Japan
Vithya's success at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games was not limited to the hurdles. She emerged as one of India's most successful athletes during the event, bringing home three medals:
- Gold: Women's 4x400m relay
- Silver: Mixed 4x400m relay
- Bronze: Women's 400m hurdles
From Unknown to Viral Sensation
The breakthrough has brought a sudden and massive surge in popularity for the athlete. Vithya noted that while she was once a relatively unknown name in the sporting circuit, she is now a household figure thanks to social media and her historic feat.
"In the last three days, I was going viral—viral videos on YouTube, Instagram. So, I am happy. Before, no one knew Vithya Ramraj. Now, if I go anywhere, people see me and say, 'Yeah, you are Vithya Ramraj,'" she remarked. She expressed hope that her journey would inspire the next generation of Indian athletes to believe in their potential.
The Role of Support and State Recognition
Vithya was quick to credit the support of the Tamil Nadu government and the Tamil Nadu Olympic Association for her rise to the international stage. She highlighted the importance of the Elite scheme, which provided the necessary resources for her training and preparation.
During the event, which also honored fellow medalists Vishal TK, G Kamalini, Baranica Elangovan, and Abinaya Rajarajan, Vithya praised the government's decision to felicitate coaches alongside athletes, stating that the two are equal pillars of success.
She also mentioned the boost in morale she received from social media encouragement, specifically noting a post by Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, which helped increase her visibility and follower count significantly.