An explosive start put the diminutive Mary Carew on her way to four straight wins (1929-32) in the AAU indoor 40y and her winning time of 5.2 in 1930 and 1931 equalled the world indoor record. She also won the AAU outdoor 50y in 1930 and, although tending to fade in the later stages at the standard sprint distances, she tied for third place at the 1932 Final Trials. Her starting ability made her a natural choice for the lead-off runner on the Olympic relay team that went on to beat the Canadians by a foot in a new world record of 46.9 although, by the rules in force at that time, both teams were given a new world record of 47.0. Mary Carew, who represented Medford Girls Club, retained her interest in track after her competitive days were over and, as Mrs. Mary Armstrong, served as secretary of the New England Chapter of the U.S. Olympians.
Personal Best: 100 – 12.5e (1932).
United States