Rallins was a 1976 graduate of Tennessee State University, she began running hurdles for their track and field team her freshman year.

She also joined the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), and won four outdoor high hurdle championships.

It was typical: the gun went off and here came Mamie—who had politely waited for the other girls to start first, since Mamie is courteous that way—suddenly moving so fast that she seemed to be taking tippy-toes steps between the hurdles and passing everybody easily.

When it was over, she ran a few dainty steps beyond the finish, stopped and threw her head back in a sort of madcap gesture".

[6] "While this was extremely disheartening, Rallins continued to be connected to the Olympics for many years to follow by coaching future Olympians.

[7] Rallins was also the Head Coach at Ohio State University of the Women's Track and Field and Cross Country team for 18 years (1976–94).

"[8] After her coaching career at Ohio State University, she was the Olympic head manager for the USA women's track team in 2000 in Sydney, Australia.