Date of Birth: August 4, 1958
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Biography
Mary Decker, born Mary Teresa Decker on August 4, 1958, in Bunnvale, New Jersey, is a former American middle-distance runner renowned for her achievements in track and field. Decker’s career took off at a young age; she broke national records and gained international recognition by her mid-teens. In 1973, at just 14 years old, she set a world record for the 800 meters at the World Junior Championships. Her career was marked by both extraordinary successes and significant setbacks. Decker’s most notable victory came in 1983 at the World Championships in Helsinki, where she won gold in both the 1500 meters and the 3000 meters. Despite her phenomenal talent, Decker is perhaps best remembered for the unfortunate collision with Zola Budd in the 3000 meters final at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, which left her injured and unable to finish the race. Decker continued to compete into the late 1990s, although injuries hampered her later years. She officially retired from competitive running in 1999. Post-retirement, Decker has remained a respected figure in athletics, often involved in coaching and mentoring young athletes.
5 Interesting Facts about Mary Decker
1. At age 14, Mary Decker became the youngest American to set a world record in the 800 meters.
2. She has held seven American records in various distances ranging from 800 meters to 10,000 meters.
3. Decker was named Sports Illustrated Sportswoman of the Year in 1983.
4. She made a remarkable comeback after a series of injuries, winning gold at the 1983 World Championships.
5. Mary Decker is an inductee of the National Track and Field Hall of Fame.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mary Decker
1. “If you can dream it, you can do it.”
2. “Running is not just exercise; it’s a lifestyle.”
3. “Every setback is a setup for a comeback.”
4. “The track is my canvas, and I paint my success with every stride.”
5. “In sports, as in life, the greatest victories come after the hardest struggles.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Mary Decker is estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Mary Decker has one child, a daughter named Ashley Lynn Slaney, born in 1986.
Relevant Links
1. [Mary Decker Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Decker
4. [Track and Field Hall of Fame](https://www.usatf.org/athlete-bios/mary-decker
