Who is Jyothika Sri Dandi? All you need to know about India's 4x400m women's relay team athlete competing at Paris Olympics 2024
Jyothika Sri Dandi is a rising star in Indian athletics, representing the country in the women’s 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics 2024. Born on July 16, 2000, in Tanuku, a town in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, Jyothika has become one of India's most promising sprinters. At 24, she is set to make her Olympic debut in Paris.
Jyothika's journey into athletics was inspired by her father, Srinivasa Rao, a former bodybuilder. Although she initially aspired to become a doctor, her father steered her towards sports, believing that she could achieve greatness in athletics. His belief in her potential has been a major reason behind her achievements.
Jyothika Sri Dandi's athletic career began to gain momentum in 2021 when she claimed victory in the 400 meters at the Indian U23 National Championships. In March 2023, she achieved further success by winning the 400 meters at the Indian National Open Championships in Thiruvananthapuram with a time of 53.26 seconds.
The year 2023 was particularly significant for Jyothika as she secured a bronze medal in the women’s 4x400m relay at the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok.
In March 2024, Jyothika set a personal best time of 52.73 seconds at the Indian National Championships in Thiruvananthapuram. She is also part of the Indian relay team that holds the national record in the 4x400m mixed relay, a feat they achieved at the 2024 Indian Championships.
How did Jyothika Sri Dandi make it to the Paris Olympics 2024?
At the 2024 World Relay Championships held in Nassau, Bahamas, Jyothika Sri Dandi played a pivotal role for the Indian women’s 4x400m relay team. The team, composed of Jyothika, Rupal Chaudhary, M R Poovamma, and Subha Venkatesan, clinched a silver medal with a time of 3 minutes and 29.5 seconds, narrowly finishing behind Jamaica.
Jyothika’s incredible pace of 51.36 seconds in the second leg of the relay was instrumental in securing India’s qualification for the Paris Olympics 2024.
Despite her achievements, Jyothika's journey has not been without challenges. Her initial aspirations of becoming a doctor were set aside in favor of a career in athletics, a decision influenced by her father’s dream of seeing her compete at the Olympics.
Srinivasa Rao's belief in his daughter’s potential has also been crucial in her journey, guiding her through the highs and lows of her athletic career.
As she prepares for her Olympic debut at Paris 2024, Jyothika Sri Dandi's sole focus will be to add to her growing list of achievements. Competing in the women’s 4x400m relay, she will be part of a team that has already proven its mettle on the international stage.