Mary Decker

Zola Budd, Mary Decker, Maricica Puică 1984

Mary Decker 1988

Mary Decker (born August 4, 1958) is a retired American middle-distance runner. Throughout her career, Decker established herself as one of the most competitive female runners of the 1980s, setting numerous national and world records in various distance track events. Her career, however, was also marked by notable controversies and injuries.

Early Life and Career

Mary Decker was born in Bunnvale, New Jersey. She began running at a young age, quickly showing promise as a middle-distance runner. Decker's talent was evident when she set age-group records that stood for many years. Her early career was characterized by her dominance in distances ranging from 800 meters to 10,000 meters, showcasing her versatility and endurance.

Rise to Prominence

Decker's rise to prominence in the international athletics scene came in the late 1970s and early 1980s. She won gold medals in the 1500 meters and 3000 meters at the 1983 World Championships in Athletics, held in Helsinki, marking her as a leading figure in women's middle-distance running. These victories were significant, as they highlighted her ability to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

1984 Olympics and Controversy

The 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles were expected to be the pinnacle of Decker's career. She was a favorite for gold in the 3000 meters. However, her Olympic dream was shattered when she collided with South African-born British runner Zola Budd during the final. The incident caused Decker to fall and injure herself, forcing her out of the race. This event became one of the most talked-about moments in Olympic history, sparking debates and discussions about the incident and its aftermath.

Later Career and Challenges

Following the 1984 Olympics, Decker continued to compete but was plagued by injuries and controversies, including a high-profile case involving a failed drug test in 1996, which led to her disqualification from competition for a period. Despite these challenges, Decker remained a significant figure in athletics, known for her competitive spirit and contributions to the sport.

Legacy

Mary Decker's legacy in the world of track and field is a complex one. She is remembered for her remarkable achievements and records, as well as the dramatic and controversial moments that marked her career. Decker's impact on the sport, particularly for female athletes, is significant, as she helped to elevate the profile of women's middle-distance running during her career.

Personal Life

Off the track, Decker's personal life, including her marriage to British discus thrower Richard Slaney, and her battles with injuries and controversies, has been well-documented. Despite the challenges, she has remained a prominent figure in the sport, often speaking about her experiences and the evolution of athletics.

See Also

• 1984 Summer Olympics
• Zola Budd
• Women's middle-distance running
• Athletics (track and field)