Personal Best is a 1982 American drama film written, produced and directed by Robert Towne.

Several issues arose during production, including a strike by the Screen Actors Guild and a $110 million lawsuit.

Both Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert placed Personal Best on their lists of the ten best films of 1982.

Tory confesses to moving the mark while showing her how to lengthen her approach in order to lower her center of gravity.

While Chris is undergoing treatment for her leg, Tingloff apologizes for his anger and tells her to stay at his house.

Chris becomes friends with a professional swimmer named Denny Stiles and they start a relationship.

Two scenes were filmed at restaurants in downtown San Luis Obispo; the Cigar Factory and 1865.

[7] Although Michael Chapman is listed as the sole director of photography, Reynaldo Villalobos and Caleb Deschanel did uncredited work.

It is filled with the uncertainties, risks, cares, and rewards of real life, and it considers its characters' hearts and minds, and sees their sexuality as an expression of their true feelings for each other".

[10] Both Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert placed Personal Best on their lists of the ten best films of 1982.

[11] Pauline Kael wrote that "There has probably never been a growing-up story presented on the screen so freely and uninhibitedly.

"[12] Vincent Canby of The New York Times praised the acting of the four leads, but criticized the storyline and the "prettified slow-motion footage.