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Journalism of Courage
FUKUOKA, July 22: One thing is clear. PT Usha wouldn8217;t like a gold medal any other way except by crossing the finish line first. She has been through nine years, since the 1989 Asian Track and field Championships, to experience what it is to win another gold medal at the Asian level. And when it did come 8212; though under strange circumstances as the Chinese foursome which went past the finish first was disqualified 8212; she ironically couldn8217;t go up to the podium to receive it, for she was getting ready for the 4x400m relay. As a result, Vinita Tripathi, the reserve member of the 4x100m squad, joined Rachita Mistry, Saraswati Dey and EB Shyla to collect the medals.Less than a hour ago, Usha, after finishing third in the 200m final, where she equalled her own national record of 23.27s, was still smiling. 8220;Two bronze medals at 33 is not bad, is it,8221; she asked teasingly. 8220;Wait for Bangkok,8221; she added.
Coming back to the Indian relay team after crossing the finish second behind China went back to join theirteammates in the stands, while Usha went back to the warm-up track. Suddenly the scoreboard flashed the result of the event, and it showed India as first and China disqualified. The third exchange between Huang Mei and Cui Danfeng was conducted ouside the designated zone and so the team was disqualified.
It beat the old record of 44.81 seconds and it brought Usha8217;s 14th gold in five Asian championships. She skipped the 1991, 1993 and 1995 editions. 8220;It has been biggest surprise of my life. We would have liked to win the race and get the gold, but anyway a gold is welcome.Also we clocked a new national record, so we are really happy,8221; she added.
