Mary Decker Quotes

Powerful Mary Decker for Daily Growth

About Mary Decker

Mary Decker Slaney (nee Mary Decker), born on September 9, 1963, in Corona, California, is an American middle-distance runner who dominated women's track and field during the late 1970s and 1980s. Known for her powerful stride, fierce competitiveness, and unwavering determination, Decker left an indelible mark on the world of athletics. Raised in a sport-oriented family, Decker's passion for running was ignited at a young age. Her father, Meb Decker, was a former high school track coach who instilled a love for the sport in his children. This early influence led Mary to compete in her first national championship at just 14 years old. In 1979, at the tender age of 15, Decker made history by becoming the youngest woman ever to win an IAAF World Cup event. She went on to set several American records and won a gold medal in the 1500 meters at the 1983 World Championships in Helsinki, Finland. However, her career was marred by tragedy when she collided with Zola Budd during the 3000-meter race at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, resulting in an injury that prevented her from finishing the race. Redeeming herself, Decker won gold in the 1500 meters at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. After retiring from competitive running in 1992, Decker transitioned into broadcast journalism, working as an analyst for ABC Sports and NBC Sports. In 2013, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. Today, Mary Decker Slaney is remembered not only for her athletic achievements but also for her resilience, sportsmanship, and inspiring spirit.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Believe in yourself and all that you are. I believe in you."

This quote, spoken by Mary Decker, emphasizes the importance of self-belief and faith in one's abilities. It encourages others to trust themselves, their capabilities, and their inherent worth. By stating "I believe in you," she conveys her support, confidence, and conviction that those around her can achieve great things, as long as they have faith in themselves.


"The only limit to the height of your achievement is the reach of your dream and your willingness to work for it."

This quote emphasizes that the extent of what one can achieve is determined primarily by the scope of one's dreams and their readiness to put in the required effort. It suggests that with a vivid, ambitious vision (the reach of your dream), and a strong work ethic (willingness to work for it), there are no boundaries to the heights one can scale in terms of personal achievement.


"I don't think about my limitations, I think about my possibilities."

This quote emphasizes a mindset that focuses on potential rather than constraints. Rather than dwelling on what one cannot do or achieve due to perceived limitations, the speaker encourages a shift towards exploring what one can do and becoming capable of. In other words, it's about believing in one's ability to overcome obstacles and pursue aspirations relentlessly. This perspective is empowering as it fosters resilience, ambition, and determination.


"Success is not how fast you run but how much you impact the world around you."

This quote emphasizes that success isn't merely about achieving personal milestones or speed, but rather making a significant positive impact on the environment one operates in. It suggests that true success comes from contributing to society and leaving a lasting, meaningful impression. The implication is that anyone, regardless of their field or pace, can achieve success if they strive to make a positive difference in the world around them.


"You have to believe in yourself when no one else does - that makes you a winner right there."

This quote emphasizes self-belief as a key attribute of champions. It suggests that even when others may doubt oneself or their abilities, maintaining faith in oneself is an essential ingredient for success. By believing in oneself, one can overcome challenges and rise above adversity, thereby positioning themselves as winners just by demonstrating this unwavering self-belief.


I can jog, but I can't run. That's hard for me. I like the fact that I can jog for fitness, but to me there's a huge difference between jogging and running.

- Mary Decker

Fact, Huge Difference, Jog, Jogging

I've never felt that I was less of an athlete or not accomplished athletically because I didn't win an Olympic medal. It's definitely something I would have liked to have added to my resume, but at the same time I think I can look back at my athletic career and feel that I was one of the best.

- Mary Decker

Career, I Think, Olympic, Olympic Medal

I can't complain about my life. I have a really nice life. I have a great family and I live in a gorgeous part of the country.

- Mary Decker

My Life, Country, Part, Complain

I've always got such high expectations for myself. I'm aware of them, but I can't relax them.

- Mary Decker

Myself, Relax, Always, High Expectations

We have a lot of property and we take care of it mostly ourselves, so that's what I spend a lot of time doing, which I love because I'm outside.

- Mary Decker

Love, Which, Mostly, Property

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