Happy Birthday PT Usha: When the Olympic gold medallist cried for Usha

One of Indian sports' most revered sprinter PT Usha narrowly missed a medal and a shot at history at the Los Angeles Olympics when she finished fourth in 400m hurdles but such was the Indian legend's aura that the eventual gold medallist, Nawal El Moutawakel, too ended up crying for the heartbroken 'Payyoli Express' that day.

Moutawakel was the first Muslim-born woman from Africa to clinch an Olympic gold in athletics by finishing on top in 400m hurdles. Moutawakel's medal had such impact at that time that the King of Morocco declared that girls born on the day she won the Olympic gold would be named in her honour.

But the legendary athlete said, for all the joy that she felt for herself, she could not help shedding tears for her friend.

Also read: Throwback: The match which made Bhaichung Bhutia an Indian football legend

"My association with Indian athletes started with PT Usha. I was in complete admiration for her. She proved what she was capable of time and again," Moutawakel, had told reporters in 2011 at the Laureus World Sports Awards, told reporters.

Reminiscing memories with 1984 LA Olympics 400M gold medalist Nawal EL Moutawakel. Missed the bronze by just a hundredth of a second that day. Good to see we both share the same passion for the sport even after all these years!@iaaforg @IAAFDoha2019 pic.twitter.com/X4CKdjAWJI

— P.T. USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) September 25, 2019

Moutawakel and Usha were close friends and she felt she could relate to the pain Usha felt on missing what would have been a historic feat for Indian athletics.

"That day as much as I was happy for myself, I was sad for her because we come from countries where athletics is not that big. When she came fourth, I cried so hard. I really wanted her to be on the podium. I wanted to win but I also wanted her to win along with me," she said.

Moutawakel said she even met some Indian athletes at the Asian Games in 2010 and was impressed with the talent on display compared to the time she was an active hurdler.

"I happened to meet a few Indian athletes in Guangzhou during the Asian Games. They looked so strong and fit. Their eyes were full of hope. I can see the progress," she said.

The International Olympic Committee member said the good performance of Indian athletes in recent multisporting events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games was a sign of the improving standards in track and field events.

Also read: Throwback: India’s first-ever success at the Wimbledon came way back in 1954