A Hurdling Revolution Like Never Before - What it Takes to become India's Fastest Hurdler

In a historic leap for Indian athletics, Jyothi Yarraji has emerged as the first Indian woman to qualify for the Olympics in the 100-meter hurdles. Born in Andhra Pradesh, Jyothi is a trailblazer who shattered a long-standing Indian national record, by clocking an impressive 13.23 secondsin 2022. Since then, she has continued to break her own records, symbolizing the potential and evolution of hurdling in India.

India has never been traditionally seen as a powerhouse when it comes to track and field events on the world stage, making Jyothi's achievement even more remarkable. While Neeraj Chopra made history by winning India’s first Olympic gold in athletics for the javelin throw, the country’s track success has been elusive. The legendary PT Usha and Milkha Singh came heartbreakingly close to Olympic glory, but their stories, though inspirational, ended without a medal.

Jyothi Yarraji’s journey to the Olympics was fraught with challenges. She faced debilitating injuries and a severe lack of confidence. As James Hillier, the Athletics Director at Reliance Foundation, poignantly described, “For Jyothi, it was very much the last chance. Everyone had given up on her. No one was really wanting to support her. It’s like your car has been involved in an accident, and it’s completely smashed up.

Her rebuild was comprehensive, focusing not just on physical recovery but on mental resilience too. She started athletics relatively late, at the age of 16, battling a meniscus tear that tested her perseverance.

With the support provided by Reliance Foundation, Jyothi Yarraji came through a tough phase which, in the long run, shaped her career. It helped her in her comeback, as it offered support to her emotionally, psychologically, as well as physically. This backing was crucial in helping Jyothi regain her confidence and competitive edge, allowing her to rewrite history. She is thankful for this project as this has helped her get back into athletics. In one of her interviews she said, “Because of the initiative by the Reliance Foundation, I am able to pursue athletics.”

Jyothi's record-breaking achievements include becoming the first Indian woman to participate in the 100-meter hurdles and win a medal at the Asian Games in this event in Hangzhou 2022. She is also the first Indian woman to break the 13-second barrier, a testament to her hard work and dedication. She currently holds the national record of 12.78s in Women’s 100m Hurdles, which she set having broken her own records across different meets.

As Jyothi prepares for her Olympic debut, hopes are high. Her journey not only paves the way for future Indian athletes but also signifies a broader transformation in Indian athletics. With her accomplishments as a beacon, the aim is clear: to nurture more athletes and continue this hurdling revolution in the upcoming Olympic editions. The future indeed looks bright for Indian athletics.