Deby Laplante

USAWomen

Deborah C. "Deby" LaPlante (née Lansky, in second marriage Smith, also Sweezey ; born April 3, 1953) is an American retired female track and field athlete. She competed in the hurdles event. She twice won a medal at the Pan American Games during her career.

LaPlante was national outdoor champion in the 100 meter hurdles in 1978 and 1979 and indoor in the 60 yards hurdles in 1976 and 1978 (she was also second and the leading American in 1975). LaPlante set her personal best in winning women's 100m hurdles title on June 16, 1979, clocking 12.86s in Walnut, California. This at the time set a new national record. In 1977, LaPlante won gold in the 100m hurdles at the Pacific Conference Games.

Later in 1979 on the 25 August, LaPlante was fourth in the 100m hurdles event at the IAAF Athletics World Cup representing the United States. LaPlante is credited with a world best times for the 60y hurdles of 7.97s and 7.53s in 1978. LaPlante also competed for the United States in an annual competition against the Soviet Union. In this she won four bronze medals in the 100m hurdles in 1973, 1975, 1976 and 1978.