Stop Everything You’re Doing And Watch This Video! Incredible race.
Debbie Heald, a 16 year old junior at Neff High School in LaMirada, CA, pulled off the biggest upset of the 1972 US vs. Soviets indoor meet by winning the mile in 4:38.5. She beat the 1500 meter world record holder from the Soviet Union and USA superstar Doris Brown. Not only did Debbie crush the high school record, she also broke the American Record of 4:40.4, previously set in 1967 by Doris Brown, who finished 3rd in this race, and was also under her own record (4:40.1).
Heald’s time stood as the National High School Record for 41 years (!) until Mary Cain ran 4:32.78 in 2013. Cain then improved the mark to 4:28.25 at the 2014 Millrose Games.
