February 4, 2008
Three-time Olympian Suzy Favor Hamilton, 39, retired from professional
track and field after a lengthy running career, but remains involved in
the sport. Since she began running at age 9, Favor Hamilton’s drive has
brought her a lot of success.
“I took running to a great obsession. I had to make it my obsession,”
Favor Hamilton explained. “Whatever I do, I want to be the best at it.
My drive is incredible”
At Stevens Point Area Senior High School, in Stevens Point, Wis., Favor
Hamilton won 11 state titles, three U.S. Junior 1500-meter titles, two
Pan American Juniors gold medals and held a U.S. Junior 1500-meter
record. She was the Athlete of the Decade (1990s) and a 14-time
All-American at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she won nine
NCAA titles and 23 Big Ten Conference Championships. While attending
UW, Favor Hamilton met her husband, Mark.
As a professional runner, Favor Hamilton was ranked number one in 1989,
1990, 2000, 2001 and 2002. She was a three-time U.S. Outdoor 1500-meter
champion and a three-time Indoor champion as well. Favor Hamilton held
U.S. records in the 800-meter (1:58.10) and 1000-meter (2:33.93)
distances. A versatile athlete, she also has personal best times of
3:57.40 in the 1500-meter run, 8:46.16 in the 3000-meter run and
15:06.48 in the 5000-meter run.
