Favor Hamilton: The Best Badger
July 05, 2006 | Women's Cross Country
With the recent announcement of the 2005-06 University of Wisconsin Athletes of the Year, uwbadgers.com decided to look back at some former UW Athletes of the Year and where they are now. This is the last in a series of former Badgers who were also named the Big Ten Conference Athlete of the Year.
Perhaps the greatest success story ever to emerge from Wisconsin athletics, Suzy Favor Hamilton achieved a level of success that has yet to be duplicated in collegiate athletics. As the three-time UW Athlete of the Year (1987-90) and three-time (1988-90) Big Ten Conference Athlete of the Year, an award that now bears her name, Favor Hamilton has continued to represent UW and her country as a three-time Olympian.
Favor Hamilton ended prep career at Stevens Point (Wis.) Area Senior High as an 11-time state champion and one of the most decorated runners in state history. For her efforts, she was named one of the top 100 high school athletes of the century by Scholastic Sports Magazine.
Entering the UW as a freshman in 1987, Favor Hamilton wasted little time writing herself into the record books, winning NCAA titles in the indoor mile and outdoor 1500 meters. She also captured four Big Ten titles as a freshman.
Over her next three years, Favor Hamilton would win more titles and garner more recognition than any other collegiate athlete before her. She finished her career with 23 Big Ten titles (21 of them in individual events) and nine individual NCAA championships, becoming the winningest woman ever in NCAA history. The 14-time All-American and current collegiate record holder for the outdoor 800 meters (1:59.11) was also honored in 1991 as the Big Ten Female Athlete of the Decade.
When asked about her top-10 track related moments at UW, Hamilton stated, 'Winning the nine NCAA championships; each has its own story, each is very memorable to me.'
After running successfully on the international circuit and competing in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, Favor Hamilton entered the 2000 Sydney Olympics as a strong medal contender for the 1500 meters. But while leading the final with 200 meters to go she collapsed due to dehydration and numerous injuries. She managed to pick herself up but could only finish 12th. However, despite her Olympic disappointment, the 1993 UW Athletic Hall of Fame inductee turned 2000 into her best season to date, posting the fastest women 's 1500-meter time in the world in 2000 (3:57.40) while setting personal bests in the 800, 15000, 3000 and 5000 meters.
Favor Hamilton said of the honor of representing her country, 'There's nothing like being able to call yourself an Olympian. As great as running is on the collegiate level, it's just the ultimate thrill to compete against and beat the best in the world.'
Looking back on her time at UW, Favor Hamilton recalls her years as a Badger fondly, citing numerous memories of her teammates, particularly on their long road trips. But there is one way her time as a Badger most dramatically affected her life.
'I met my husband (former UW baseball player Mark Hamilton) my freshman year at UW. Meeting him changed my life in such a positive way. We now have a baby girl, the greatest gift he could give me.'
As part of the Wisconsin track tradition and legacy she stated, 'I hope it continues. It was the reason I chose to attend UW. We've had so many great runners come through. Wearing that uniform gives you a sense of pride and confidence. There are high expectations for Wisconsin runners and you want to live up to those expectations and even surpass them.'
Favor Hamilton now lives in New Glarus, Wis., where she continues her training and works in Madison as a realtor.
