Slaney Wins 800 in Swiss Meet, Sets U.S. Mark

Mary Decker Slaney set an American record while winning the women’s 800 meters Friday in an international track and field meet at Bern, Switzerland. Slaney trimmed .7 of a second off her U.S. mark and won the event in 1 minute 56.9 seconds. Claudette Groenendaal of the United States was second in 1:58.3.

Slaney quickly took the lead after 100 meters and stayed in control, running smoothly and easily across the finish line. The event at Neufeld Stadium served as a warm-up for next week’s Grand Prix meet at Zurich.