Conversation so far:
What did Mary Decker do in Mary Decker's early career?
"Little Mary Decker," won international acclaim in 1973 with a win in the 800 meters at a US-Soviet meet in Minsk, beating the later Olympic silver medallist.
Did she ever get hurt in her career running?
By the end of 1974, she had developed a case of the muscle condition compartment syndrome.
This resulted in a series of injuries.
Did her career have to end as a result?
After recovering from surgery, she spent two seasons at the University of Colorado at Boulder on a track scholarship.
Are there any other interesting aspects about this article?
By the end of 1972, Decker was ranked first in the United States and fourth in the world in the 800 meters.
Did she ever win any medals or awards?
In 1973 she gained her first world record, running an indoor mile in 4:40.1.

Question: How long did her career last?
Self-contained rewrite: How long did Mary Decker's career last?