Background
She was born in Brooklyn, New New York
She was born in Brooklyn, New New York
Second place in that race is still the second fastest time ever run in that event and the current American record. She set her personal record of 49.84 while finishing third in an open semi-final in Seoul. Four years earlier she ran in the qualifying heat for the same relay that eventually took gold.
Dixon was also a part of two medal-winning teams in the 4x400 relay at the IAAF World Championships, taking a bronze in 1987 in Rome and a silver in 1991 in Tokyo.
Dixon was known for her aggressive frontrunning style indoors, where she could take the lead at the break (after the first 50 meters) and hold off her competitors who would have to run around her. She repeated the feat again in 1991, setting the American Record at 50.64 seconds in the event.
That record stood until March 13, 2010, when it was broken by Francena McCorory from Hampton University at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Championships. Diane Dixon attended the Brooklyn Technical High School and graduated in 1982.
Diane Dixon owns the distinction of being the first Ohio State women"s student-athlete to capture an individual national track championship in the 400 meters at the 1983 indoor championships.
After retiring, Diane worked to help other athletes with career guidance by founding Retired Elite Athletes Need Career Opportunities.