Before me, sprinters retired at 23 or 24. I run because I still like it, I can make a living, and I feel I was born to do it. And because people tell me I can't do it.

She competed in the 100 m winning the event in a new Olympic Record of 10. In 1997 Ashford was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame where Evelyn Ashford is said to be "one of the greatest track and field runners ever. After parting ways with her coach Pat Connolly (herself a 3-time Olympian) in 1985 Ashford was largely self-coached.

She has run under the 11 second barrier over 30 times and was the first to run under 11 seconds in an Olympic Games. She also was named Track and Field News "Athlete of the Year" twice in 1981 and 1984
On July 3 1983 Evelyn Ashford set her first World Record (be it at altitude) for the 100 metres running 10. At the 1984 Summer Olympics Ashford had a chance to win a gold medal.