Slaney Wins Fails in Record Attempt

Mary Decker Slaney failed to keep her vow to break the world record in the mile Tuesday but easily won the event at the Harry Jerome International track meet.

Slaney finished in 4:22.30, well ahead of Olympic bronze medalist Lynn Williams of Canada, who ran 4:28.03. Canada’s Debbie Scott was third in 4:30.49.

Taking a commanding lead from the start, Slaney continually increased her advantage throughout. But the 26-year-old Decker, who holds every American record from 800 to 10,000 meters, appeared to slowdown over the final two laps. The milder pace left her far short of the world record of 4:15.80 set earlier this year by Soviet runner Natayla Artyemova.

Brazil’s Jose Luis Barbosa won the men’s 800 meters in 1:45.95.