Jyothi Yarraji (Athletics): Olympics, Career and Biography

Hailing from Visakhapatnam, Jyothi Yarraji is set to make history at the 2024 Paris Olympics as the first Indian 100m hurdler to compete in this prestigious event. Her journey to the Olympics is one of determination and resilience, shaped by the hardships faced by her family. Jyothi’s mother worked double shifts as a domestic help and cleaner at a hospital in Visakhapatnam, underscoring the challenges they overcame together.

“In the past, I did too much thinking, too much worrying because of my family, my personal life, and my background, but I learned a lot. My situation is really bad sometimes. My mom always told me to just keep going forward because we can’t stop the present, past, and the future,” Jyothi shared, reflecting on her journey.

Jyothi Yarraji currently holds the national record for the 100m hurdles with a time of 12.78 seconds and has already secured a medal at the Asian Games.

Biography

Sport/Discipline: Women’s 100m Hurdles
World Rankings:
Women’s 100m Hurdles: 24
Women’s 200m: 144
Women’s Overall: 329
First Olympic Games: Paris 2024

Achievements

1. Asian Champion
2. Asian Games Silver Medallist, 2023
3. Asian Indoor Champion
4. Asian Championships Silver Medallist

Olympics

Jyothi Yarraji secured her place at the Paris Olympics through her world ranking quota, making her the first Indian 100m hurdler to achieve this feat. The qualification window for athletics closed on June 30, and her standings were officially confirmed by World Athletics on July 7. Jyothi ranked 34th in the women’s 100m hurdles, placing her within the top 40 and earning her a spot at the Olympics.

In her latest competition, Jyothi participated in the women’s 200m trial final at the B&S Kurpfalz Gala earlier this year in May. Excelling in the 100m hurdles, she won the title at the B&S Kurpfalz Gala. In the first heat of the 100m hurdles, she clocked 13.36 seconds, and improved her performance in the final, registering a time of 13.06 seconds to secure the title.

As she prepares to compete in Paris, Jyothi Yarraji’s story of perseverance and triumph serves as an inspiration to many, embodying the spirit of determination and the pursuit of excellence.