Thomas Olakkengal Louis, known as O. L. Thomas, was regarded as fastest man of India during 1960s and 1970s. Born on 13th July 1946 at Pavaratty in Kerala in a Christan Family. Since his Child hood he was keen in runner the sprint specially 100m dash. His Interest in athletics sprint run took his to local athletics coach where he learnt basics of sprint running. He was very dedicated and sharp trainee and learnt the secret of sprint running at very early age. When Milkha Singh was giving his best in 400m rue was almost unbeatable for over 13 years during 1960s and 1970s.

Early Life and Education

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O. L. Thomas attended St. Joseph High School, Pavaratty, and later pursued a Diploma in Athletics Coaching at NSNIS Eastern Centre, Kolkata, in 1983.

Athletic Achievements

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Known as India's fastest man during the 1960s and 1970s.[by whom?] Thomas was a member of the Indian 4x100m relay team that won a bronze medal at the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games,[1] setting a national record with a time of 40.9 seconds. He also secured a bronze medal in the 100m race at the 1979 Asian Track & Field Championships in Tokyo.

Professional Career

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Thomas served in the Indian Air Force from 1964 to 1972 before joining Tata Motors, where he worked from 1972 to 1975. In 1975, he became a sports officer at IISCO Steel Plant, Burnpur, where he worked until his retirement in 2006.

Coaching Contributions

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Thomas trained numerous national-level athletes in Burnpur, Asansol, West Bengal. His innovative and international-level training techniques were ahead of their time. Despite a lack of sufficient support, he remained dedicated to fostering athletic talent, although he was unable to produce athletes at the Asian or Olympic level.

Author of Kerala's first Malayalam Sports Novel , "Dhaaham" Author of "Save Sports, Save India , Save The World "a book on history of Indian Sports & Facts. Chief Dreamer of "Fun Fitness & Friendship Club" ,free fitness club for the elderly.

References

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  1. ^ "Indian Olympic Association". olympic.ind.in. Retrieved 5 September 2024.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-o-l-bb7bb199/