[7] She also was named Track and Field News "Athlete of the Year" twice, in 1981 and 1984[8] She again won the sprint double, at the world cup in Rome, in 1981.

The other main favorite, Marlies Göhr of East Germany (who had already beaten Ashford earlier that year), went on to win.

[4] Later in the season, she finally defeated her main rival Göhr at the Weltklasse meeting in Zürich, Switzerland.

The race saw Ashford make up half a meter or so over Göhr and lower her own world record to 10.76 seconds.

She was beaten in the 100 m by Florence Griffith Joyner, who had broken her world record earlier in the season at the Olympic Trials.

[4] Ashford came back from season-ending injuries three times, to reach the top of the sport in the following year.

In 1987 a hamstring pull prevented her from competing at the World Championships, then a season later added an Olympic Silver and third Gold medal to her collection.

On May 30, 1985, she gave birth to her daughter Raina Ashley Washington, and again came back for an excellent 1986, losing only once over both the 100 m and 200 m, and winning the 100 meter title at the Goodwill Games; earning another No.