Tonja Buford-Bailey (2017) - Hall of Fame - University of Illinois Athletics

Tonja Buford-Bailey

Induction:
2017

TRACK & FIELD • 1990-93

Tonja Buford-Bailey is a three-time Olympic hurdler in 1992, 1996 and 2000, earning Bronze in ’96 in the 400 meter hurdles; She won an incredible 25 individual Big Ten titles, had 10 All-America performances and was four-time Big Ten Athlete of the Year in women’s track and field. Buford-Bailey won the 1992 NCAA title in the 400 meter hurdles. Her best result came in the 1995 World Championships in Sweden where she won the silver medal in the 400 meter hurdles, losing the race by 0.01 seconds, which was under the previous world record. As Illini women’s track coach, she led the team to one Big Ten championship in 2013. Buford-Bailey is currently the track and field sprint and relay coach at Texas.