High-flying Unnathi and her progression into a new challenge Premium

Track athlete Unnathi Aiyappa excels in 200m sprint and 100m hurdles, transitioning to 400m hurdles with family support.

Track athlete Unnathi Aiyappa is adept at two events — 200m sprint and 100m hurdles. She has the medals to prove it.

In the last six months, Unnathi has stepped on the podium in international and domestic competitions. She won bronze in the 100m hurdles at the Asian Under-20 championships in Dubai, and created meet records in the 200m and 100m hurdles at the recent South Asian Junior Athletics meet at Chennai.

In the Federation Cup in May, Unnathi went past the experienced Srabani Nanda to win the 200m.

As the transition to the senior level beckons, Unnathi has decided to focus on a new event — 400m hurdles. Given her inexperience in this event, this poses a big challenge.

The move to 400m hurdles — considered the toughest among track and field events — was encouraged by her father and coach, former athlete B.P. Aiyappa. More guidance comes from Unnathi’s mother, former Olympic heptathlete Pramila Aiyappa.

“My dad and I have always talked about changing my event to 400m hurdles. My father was also a 400m athlete. He knows that I have the speed, stride length and talent for 400m hurdles. Our plan is to switch when I get to the seniors,” Unnathi said.

Unnathi gave 400m hurdles a shot at the Junior Federation Cup at Lucknow, where she claimed a bronze medal. It was an encouraging result for a first time attempt.