Track Organizations At Odds Over Slaney

America’s greatest woman distance runner is caught in the struggle of international track politics that threaten to block her bid for another world-championship appearance.

Track and field’s world body said it had notified USA Track & Field that Mary Slaney and Sandra Farmer-Patrick were barred from the national championships, which begin today, because of alleged drug use.

USATF, the sport’s domestic organization, said it was notified only regarding Slaney and was told she could not compete nationally or internationally. USATF said it would buck the decision by the International Amateur Athletic Federation and called Slaney an “eligible athlete.”

Upon learning of USATF’s go-ahead for his wife to run, Slaney’s husband, Richard, said he would consult with her lawyer on how to proceed.