Shiny Abraham (Wilson) is a former Indian athlete who was the National Champion in 800 m for 14 long years. During 1980s, she won many gold medals at the Asian level and established various records. Shiny was one of Asia`s finest 400 m and 800 m contestants. She has represented India over 75 international competitions. A veteran of 4 Olympics, Shiny was declared the best woman athlete at the SAF games in Chennai in 1995. However, she was accused of changing lanes during the 800metres at the 1986 Asian games. Shiny Abraham admitted her mistake by making a frank and honest confession.
Early Life of Shiny Abraham
Shiny Abraham was born on May 8th, 1965, at Thodupuzha village in the district of Idukki of Kerala. She was interested in athletics as a youngster and eventually improved her skills after joining the sports division in Kottayam. She was trained by the NIS coach P. J. Devesla. Later, Shiny took coaching from G.V. Raja Sports School in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) and then shifted to Alphonsa College in Palai.
Career of Shiny Abraham
Shiny became national champion in the 800 m in 1981. In 1982 she took part in the Asian Games in New Delhi, and represented the country, along with P.T. Usha. She has also appeared in 4 Olympics and 3 Asian Games. In the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Shiny became the 1st Indian woman to enter the semi-final of an Olympic event. She has also participated in 6 Asian Track and Field Meets, in a row beginning 1985, in Jakarta. Shiny Abraham also had the honour to become the 1st Indian woman to be the flag bearer for India at the 1992 Olympics, held in Barcelona.
There were several shortcomings and disappointments in her career, but Shiny Abraham also has accomplished quite a lot, considering various situations. She represented India in three Olympics Games: Los Angeles (1984), Seoul (1988) and Barcelona (1992). She also captained the Indian Contingent in the Barcelona Olympics. She has also represented the country in three Asian Games and has won 1 gold medal, two silver medals and a bronze medal. In the Asian Track and Field meets, she won 7 gold medals, 6 silver medals and 2 bronze medals.
Awards of Shiny Abraham
Shiny Abraham received the Arjuna Award in 1984 and also the Chinese Journalist Award, which is given to the 10 best sports persons in Asia. She even became the Asian Champion, after delivering a child. She considers this her greatest achievement. Although Shiny Abraham did not win any medals at any of the 3 Olympics she participated, she and P.T. Usha powered India to an unexpected Women`s 4X400 relay final at the 1984.
Shiny Abraham attributed all her success to Lord Jesus Christ. Sheer hard work since her childhood has been the driving force behind her success. Her strong sense of determination, along with her immense faith in God, has carried her through several ups and much more downs in the world of athletics.