M. Jyothika, the golden girl among juniors at last year’s Kerala State schools athletics championships, has moved smoothly to the senior grade. The 17-year-old from Palakkad’s Parli School won the 400m hurdles, her second gold in the under-19 age group, in the championships’ 65 edition at the Government Boys VHSS ground here on Wednesday.
“The 400m hurdles is a tough event but my favourite one too,” said Jyothika, coached by the seasoned P.G. Manoj, who clocked a personal best time for the second consecutive day. She had won the 400m on Tuesday.
The victory also brushed away the bitter memories of a blackout she appeared to suffer in the event last year. She ‘froze’ towards the end of the race after gaining a strong lead.
