Anju Bobby George
"This medal is for the 100 crore Indians who prayed for me", said Anju Bobby George after winning bronze medal for long jump in the Paris world athletic meet.

Anju Markos was born in Changanasseri to Vazhapallil Kochuparambil Markos and Gracy. She completed her primary education in St Ann's High School.

After joining Koruthodu CKM school her career in athletics took off under the guidance of Thomas master. She was the women's champion in the school athletic meet for the year 1991-92. Anju came first in 100 m hurdles and relay and was placed second in long jump and high jump events.

Anju's talent was noticed in the national school games where she won third place in 100 m hurdles and 4x100 m relay. During her second year of graduation in the Thrissur Vimala College, Anju was the University Champion.

Concentrating on jump events, Anju went to win long jump medal in the 1996 Delhi junior Asian championship. In 1999 Anju set the national record for triple jump in the Bangalore Federation Cup and silver in the Nepal SAAF games.

In 2001 Anju bettered her own record in long jump to 6.74 m in the National Circuit Meet at Thiruvananthapuram. This was her best personal performance. In the same year she won gold for triple jump and long jump in the Ludhiana National games.

Anju reigned supreme in her events in the Hyderabad National games also.

Her performance in the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth games won her the bronze with 6.49 m.

This year her first major victory was gold in the American Athletic meet in July.

Inspite of winning international laurels, Anju remains humble. She gives the credit of her victory to her teachers, coaches and all the Indians who prayed for her.