Slaney’s Comeback Is Slowed by Surgery

Runner Mary Decker Slaney’s comeback to the track after giving birth to a daughter last summer has been delayed because of surgery last week in Eugene, Ore., to remove scar tissue from her Achilles’ tendon.

“She has had nagging Achilles’ pain and persistent aggravation since she began training again,” her manager, Brad Hunt, said. “The doctor scraped the scar tissue so that she will have a lot more mobility without the same pain and inflexibility.”

Hunt said Slaney can begin working out in four to six weeks but may miss the indoor season. She had committed to run in the Sunkist Invitational at the Sports Arena Jan. 16, which would have been her first race on the track since 1985.

“It would be pessimistic to say she can’t come back to run later in the indoor season but not far from realistic,” Hunt said.

“We’ll play it by ear and see how quickly she gets back into competitive shape. She doesn’t want to race just to race.”

Hunt said Slaney’s first priority is to compete in the World championships Aug. 29-Sept. 6 in Rome. The U.S. team for that meet will be selected at The Athletics Congress meet June 26-28 at San Jose.