Debbie Heald

Debbie Heald (born 20 August 1955) is a former American track and field athlete, known for her success in middle-distance races.

Early life Heald is the daughter of Richard and Ernestine Heald. She grew up in La Mirada, California.

Career At the age of eleven, Heald was a member of the Hutchinson Track Club. By the time she was fourteen, Heald had won three state running championships and five district Amateur Athletic Union titles. She also held two national crowns.

Heald defeated the then-current 1500m world record holder Tamara Pangelova of the USSR on March 17, 1972, at the Richmond Coliseum. Her win was a significant victory as it was during the height of the Cold War and prior to this the Soviets had predominantly dominated the sport. Until that time, Heald's record was the longest-standing of any girls' high school record.

Heald attended California State University, Fullerton, graduating with a degree in education. Heald continued to train throughout her college years, but her career was progressively hampered by repeated injuries and tendonitis from overtraining, as well as a diagnosis of schizophrenia.