Jaisha Orchatteri Puthiya Veetil, popularly known as O.P. Jaisha, who hails from Kerala, is an International Marathon Runner, Indian track and field athlete and is the current National Record Holder in the marathon event in the women’s category with a timing of 2hr:34min:43secs which she achieved in 2015 World Championships in Beijing. She has also represented India in the Olympics and Asian Games. She has won bronze medals at the Asian Games in 2006 (Doha) and 2014 (Incheon). She is also a former National record holder in the 3,000 metres steeplechase.
Jaisha, speaking to SOM, throws some light about her life and marathon running. She said, “Being from a poor family background, I had to face a lot of hardships and struggles over the years. I started taking running seriously when I was in my 12th std. at M.G. University in Kottayam. From there, it has been a lot of struggle, dedication, practice and training. Being from Wayanad, I got to train in higher altitudes and thus running at lower altitudes at various events seemed comfortable. I was always interested in running and so I paved my career towards running.”
