Following a heartbreaking Olympics in 1984, the now Mary Slaney persevered in 1985, establishing a world record in the mile and setting five American records, thus becoming the first athlete to hold every American record from 800 meters to 10,000 meters; a range of excellence unparalleled in the history of track and field. She culminated her undefeated season by capturing the IAAF Grand Prix as the top female athlete in the world.

Records:

1974	Held three World Records 1,000-meters: 2:26.7 880-yards: 2:02.4 800-meters: 2:01.8
1977	1977 Broke her own 1,000-yard record in 2:23.8
1980	Set four World Records Mile: 4:21.7 Indoor: 4:17. 1500-meters: 4:00.8 (Indoor) 880-yards: 1:59.7
Set American record of 8:38.73 for the 3,000-meters in her first attempt at that distance Held world records of 2:26.7 for 1,000-meters, 2:02.4 for 880-yards, and 2:01.8 for 800-meters
1982	Set of six World Records Mile (2 WR) 2,000-meters 3,000-meters 5,000-meters 10,000-meters
1983	Double World Champion in the 1,500-meters & 3,000-meters
1985	Set two World Records Indoor 2,000-meters: 5:34.2 Outdoor mile: 4:16.7
The only American runner, man or women to hold all American records from 800 to 10,000-meters at the same time Over a career unmatched by any other runner anywhere: 36 National records and 17 World records Continues to hold U.S. records for 800-meters, 1,500-meters, 1-mile, 2,000-meters and 3,000-meters

Notable Achievements:

Won international attention in 1973 at the age of 14 with a surprise victory in the 800-meter at a U.S.-U.S.S.R. dual meet

Physical challenges kept her from running competitively for three years, beginning in 1974

Member of 4 Olympic teams

Still training with intentions of competing in the Marathon

Awards and Honors:

Recipient of the Sullivan Award in 1982

Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year in 1983

Named as Jesse Owens Athlete of the Year in 1983

Recipient of the Prefontaine Award

Cover of major magazines: Life, Newsweek,
and Sports Illustrated 4 times