A Brief Conversation with 3-Time Olympian Tonja Buford-Bailey

Tonja Buford-Bailey is a 3 time Olympian in the 400m Hurdles, having competed at the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Games. She won a Bronze medal at those 1996 Atlanta Games, and was also part of a legendary photo finish race with American teammate Kim Batten in 1995 where both ladies went under the previous world record. Since retiring from the track, Buford-Bailey has become one of the most successful coaches in the sport, coaching at the University of Illinois as well as the University of Texas. She now works with Pro athletes such as Gabby Thomas, Tamara Clark, Tynia Gaither and others.

In our brief conversation, we dive into her attending the University of Illinois, transitioning from college to professional, how she supports her athletes at different stages of their careers, the challenges of moving from being a college coach to pro coach as well as some of her role models.