Jan Merrill

Janice "Jan" Melbourne Merrill (born June 18, 1956) is a retired American runner. She was the dominant long-distance runner of the middle 1970s, a notable front runner, her uniform with the large "M" on her chest would usually break away to an insurmountable lead in domestic meets. She was equally untouchable in self-promotion or dealing with the media, often deferring to her coach, Norm Higgins.^[1] At various points in time she held the American record in the 1500 meters (4:02.61 set on July 29, 1976) during the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, the 3,000 meters and 5,000 meters.^[2] She lost other record opportunities because the only times she could get a decent race in the United States was against men.^[1]

Born (1956-06-18) June 18, 1956 (age 69)

New London, Connecticut

EducationWaterford Highschool, CT

Height165 cm (5 ft 5 in)

Weight52 kg (115 lb)

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Jan Merrill

Merrill in 1975
Personal information
Born	(1956-06-18) June 18, 1956 (age 69) New London, Connecticut
Education	Waterford Highschool, CT
Height	165 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Weight	52 kg (115 lb)
Sport
Sport	Athletics
Event	800–10,000 m
Club	Connecticut College Age Group Athletes Association
Coached by	Norm Higgins
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)	800 m – 2:02.80 (1977) 1500 m – 4:02.61 (1976) Mile – 4:28.3 (1979) 3000 m – 8:42.6 (1978) 5000 m – 15:30.6 (1980) 10,000 m – 32.03. (1981)
Medal record Representing the  United States Pan American Games 1975 Mexico City 1500 m 1979 San Juan 3000 m

Close

She won the U.S. title at 1500 meters twice outdoors,^[3] 3000 meters 4 times,^[4] twice in the indoor mile,^[5] twice in the indoor 2 mile^[6] and twice in Cross Country.^[7] After retiring from competitions she became a high school and college track coach.^[8]