Jyothi Yarraji: Pioneering Indian Hurdler Aiming for Glory at the Paris Olympics 2024

_{Jyothi Yarraji, a 24-year-old from Visakhapatnam, is set to become the first Indian hurdler to compete in the 100-meter event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Reflecting the challenges she surmounted along the way, her path to the Olympics is one of tenacity and will. Working double shifts as a domestic servant and hospital cleaner, Jyothi's mother embodies the family's sacrifice and commitment to helping her sports aspirations.}

_{Jyothi's will was unflinching even though she faced several obstacles. "In the past, I overthought and worried about my family and personal life, but I learned a lot. My situation was really bad sometimes. My mom always told me to keep moving forward because we can't stop the present, past, or future."}

_{Rising Through the Ranks}

_{Jyothi Yarraji now maintains the national record for the 100m hurdles, with a timing of 12.78 seconds. Additionally, she has earned a medal at the Asian Games. With a global rating of 24th in the women's 100m hurdles, she earned a place in the Paris Olympics based on the world ranking quota, which requires athletes to be among the top 40 in their category.}

_{Major Achievements}

• _{Asian Champion}
• _{Asian Games Silver Medalist (2023)}
• _{Asian Indoor Champion}
• _{Asian Championships Silver Medalist}
• _{Paris Olympics Qualification}

_{Recent Performances}

_{In the B&S Kurpfalz Gala earlier this year, Jyothi demonstrated her outstanding ability. She had a time of 13.36 seconds in the preliminary round of the women's 100m hurdles, and then further improved to 13.06 seconds in the final, thereby securing the championship. The unwavering commitment she shows towards enhancing her performance is clearly demonstrated by these frequent exhibitions of exceptional achievement.}

_{Jyothi will make history on August 7 as the inaugural Indian female athlete to participate in the 100m hurdles event at the Paris Olympics. In 1972, this event was officially recognised as an Olympic sport. Jyothi's participation in this event represents a significant milestone for Indian athletics, as she strives to beat the clock.}

_{Overcoming Setbacks}

_{Jyothi's path has not been without obstacles. A hip flexor injury in Finland almost destroyed her confidence as she was on the verge of smashing her national record. However, with the help of coach James Hillier at the Reliance Odisha Athletics High-Performance Centre, she improved her running style and beginning technique, resulting in a successful comeback.}

_{Suryanarayana, Jyothi's father, is a private security guard, while Kumari, her mother, continues to work as a domestic helper. Despite a combined monthly salary of less than Rs 18,000, their continuous support has been essential for Jyothi's success.}

_{International Debut and Inspirations}

_{At the Cyprus International Athletics Meet in 2022, Jyothi made her debut on the international scene by setting a new national record in the women's 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.23 seconds. She set two new records in the following month as a result of Usain Bolt, a legendary sprinter, and Neeraj Chopra, an Olympic winner from India.}

_{Jyothi relocated to Bhubaneswar to train with coach James Hillier after first working with N Ramesh in Hyderabad. Her perseverance paid off as she won silver at the Asian Indoors and established five national records in the indoor 60-meter hurdles in 2023.}

_{In both the indoor 60-meter hurdles (8.13 seconds) and women's 100-meter hurdles (12.78 seconds), Jyothi holds the national record. She established a lifetime best of 23.13 seconds when she won gold in the 100-meter hurdles and silver in the 200-meter hurdles at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok. She also took home silver in the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships' 60-meter hurdle race and bronze in the 100-meter hurdle race at the FISU World University Games.}