Posted: August 26, 2004

Athletics: Ashford defeating two world record holders at World Cup named 17th top moment

Evelyn Ashford defeating two East German world record holders at the 1979 World Cup was honored by USA Track & Field on Wednesday as the 17th greatest moment in U.S. track and field history in the last 25 years.

To help mark the 25th anniversary of USA Track & Field, fans joined USATF in selecting the Top 25 Moments in American Track & Field during the past quarter century. Fans voted for what they consider to be the top moments in the sports of track & field, long-distance running, and race walking by voting online at USATF's website, www.usatf.org.

One of the greatest women's sprinters in track and field history, Evelyn Ashford enjoyed one of her most memorable moments at the 1979 World Cup where she decisively defeated two East German world record holders.

Ashford dominated the field in the 100 meters with her winning time of 11.06 seconds, easily bettering the performance of runner-up and former world record holder Marlies Gohr of East Germany, who finished in 11.17. Ashford was equally dominant in the 200 meters, winning the race in 21.83 seconds, as then East German world record holder Marita Koch finished second in 22.02.

During her remarkable career Ashford ranked #1 in the world in the 100 meters four times and was the top-ranked American seven times, including four in a row from 1981 to 1984. Also ranked #1 in the U.S. at 200m on seven occasions, Ashford was ranked #1 in the world at 200m in1981. Ashford competed in four Olympic Games during her career, winning four gold medals and a silver.

A former 100m world record holder, Ashford was inducted into the National Track & Field Hall of Fame in 1997.

Suggestions for USATF's Top 25 Moments were taken through February 22, 2004. Fans voted for their favorite moments beginning February 28 and ending on June 20. The Top 25 Moments will be announced in reverse order, one per week, leading up to the USATF Annual Meeting in December, where the top three moments will be revealed.

For more information on USATF' Top 25 Moments, visit USATF.org.

USATF Top 25 Moments 
25. Jackie Joyner-Kersee breaks 7,000-point barrier in the heptathlon.
24. Khalid Khannouchi sets men's world marathon record in 2002.
23. Alan Webb sets U.S. boys' high school mile record.
22. Kevin Young breaks Edwin Moses' world record.
21. Lynn Jennings wins third World Cross Country title.
20. Alberto Salazar wins third consecutive New York City Marathon.
19. Flo-Jo sets women's 200m world record.
18. Gail Devers successfully defends Olympic 100m women's title.
17. Evelyn Ashford defeats two world record holders at 1979 World Cup.