Ruth Wysocki
Ruth Wysocki (born 8 March 1957) is an American middle distance runner who specialized in the 800 meters and 1500 metres.
Wysocki began track competition in age-group races in the late 1960s, and continued her track career over a period of about 30 years, until she became a Masters (over-40) runner in 1997. Wysocki was a standout performer in the 800m at Azusa High School, winning the California State championship at 440 y and 880 y. Wysocki attended the University of Redlands, where she excelled at 400 and 800 m. Wysocki first won fame in American middle-distance running when she upset Mary Decker to win the 1978 US Champsionships 800m in 2:01.99. Wysocki scored another upset victory against Decker (now Slaney) at the 1984 US Olympic Trials, this time at 1500 m. Wysocki outsprinted Slaney to win the Trials in 4:00.18. At the 1984 Summer Olympics she finished sixth in 800 m and eighth in 1500 m. She finished seventh in 1500 m at the 1995 World Championships in Athletics in Gothenburg.
In 1997, Wysocki set several Masters records at distances from 800 m - 5000 m on the track, and 5k and 8k road races. Her father, Willis Kleinsasser, was also a successful Masters athlete. Her brother, Alan Kleinsasser, ran 1:50.5 for 800 m and 3:52.2 for 1500 m, both school records at Caltech.
Personal bests
| Distance | Time | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 880 y | 2:10.7 | 1974 (High School) |
| 400 m | 56.8 | 1975 (College) |
| 800 m | 2:07.6 | 1975 (College) |
| 440 y | 55.0 | 1975 |
| 800 m | 1:58.65 | 1984 |
| 1000 m | 2:38.36 | 1995 |
| 1500 m | 4:00.18 | 1984 |
| Mile | 4:21.78 | 1984 |
| 2000 m | 5:40.09 | 1984 |
| 3000 m | 8:52.91 | 1987 |
| 5000m | 16:37.22 | 1985 |
| 800 m | 2:03.95 | 1997 (masters) |
| 1000 m | 2:40.42 | 1997 (masters) |
| 1500 m | 4:08.69 | 1997 (masters) |
| 5000 m | 16:37.22 | 1997 (masters) |
External links
- Ruth Wysocki profile at IAAF
- USATF profile
- Interview with Ruth Wysocki, 2007
- University of Redlands Track and Field Top Ten Performances
- Summary of accomplishments
