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 in Azusa, California, winning the California State championship at 440 y and 880 y. She 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