... and the culture had not changed that much at that point such that many changes had to be made other than to be sure the soundtrack was very 70s, and the film does indeed dig up some great 70s oldies.

This is the story of two athletes - Chris (Mariel Hemingway) and Tory (Patrice Donnely) - from 1976 to 1980 as they train for the 1980 Olympics, hoping to go for the gold, only to have the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and the resulting boycott of the 1980 Olympics by the USA prevent them from training for anything but the satisfaction of personal accomplishment.

This is also probably the first film to portray a lesbian relationship in a meaningful and realistic way. It shows how Chris and Tory fall in love, how they bond over their desire to be Olympic athletes, and how the athletic competition between them as well as jealousy gradually tear the relationship apart.

But this was also 1982, so the filmmakers insert what looks like now to be gratuitous nudity to lure would be moviegoers of the day. Looking back now some of the overt sexism and even racism is rather stark. There is coach Terry Tingloff (Scott Glenn) going on and on about how he could have coached men and been a REAL coach. There is a scene in a steam room where one of the African American athletes tells a racist joke. And there is lots of weed smoking before the era of "just say no".

I'd recommend it, but just realize that the film has long stretches that are solely about competition, preparation, and the little quirks of fate that can affect performance one way or the other. If that bores you, then you are likely not going to get much out of this viewing experience.

With Larry Pennell as Chris' overbearing demanding coach/dad who just disappears after the first ten minutes, never to be heard from again, and actor/athlete Kenny Moore as Denny Stites, Chris' boyfriend after her break up with Tory, and possibly the world's oldest living college athlete since he was 38 when this film was made and 18 years older than Hemingway.

Personal Best is a gripping film about competition and pushing oneself to the absolute limit - what you leave behind in the process and what you build. Mariel Hemingway's character Chris is blessed with natural talent but initially lacks the drive and motivation that has taken her soon-to-be lover Tori to a higher level in women's track and field. When Chris begins training with Tori and Tori's coach takes her under his wing, Chris moves to the next level.

As Chris' and Tori's romantic relationship begins and then evolves, the competition between them intensifies. Chris' coach Scott Glen remarks to Chris, "I don't know which scares you more, beating Tori Skinner or losing to her." Her quandary culminates at the Olympic Trials where Chris and Tori compete for 2 of the 3 spots on the US Women's Pentathalon Team. And the result is unpredictable yet makes perfect sense - and it was even more meaningful given that the competition was for spots non an Olympic team that wasn't going anywhere, as the Moscow Olypics would take place without the US athletes.