Tonja Buford-Bailey (2005)
About Tonja Buford-Bailey
Tonja Buford-Bailey was a Hurdler specialist. She began her career at Trotwood-Madison High School and finished up at Meadowdale High School. During her career, Tonja posted a time of 13.93 in the High Hurdles and 42.60 in the 300 Low Hurdles. She was the State Champion in the Highs in ‘88 and ‘89 and in the Lows in ’89. Ms. Buford-Bailey set 3 state records in the 300 Hurdles, the indoor 200 Hurdles and the 100 High Hurdles. Her records also include the Dayton Relays, the Roosevelt Relays, and the Trotwood Relays. Tonja attended the University of Illinois. She posted a time of 54.13 in the 400 Hurdles, 13.05 in the High Hurdles, and 7.6 in the indoor 55 Hurdles. She won a record 25 Big 10 events. She scored in many relays including the Penn, the Drake, the Kansas, and the Tennessee. Ms. Buford-Bailey competed in 3 Olympic Games in the 400 Hurdles placing third in 1996. Although she didn’t win, her time bettered the world record. She still holds the world’s third fastest time ever run. This deserving young lady also competed in 5 World Outdoor meets, the Pan-American Games, and the Goodwill Games.
