Tia Jones‘s lightning-fast pace is creating history. This hurdling sensation, who was 23 at the time, tied the 60-meter indoor world record in 2024 with a time of 7.67 seconds. She then won a gold medal at the USATF Indoor Championships. Her ascent hasn’t been a smooth one, though. Jones’ story reads like a rollercoaster script, from breaking high school records at the age of 15 to dealing with injuries, pandemic disruptions, and a broken Achilles that could endanger his career. One person, though, has been there for her no matter what, and that person is Tonja Buford-Bailey, her coach.

So let’s get right to the point and examine Bailey’s journey, which has made her an exceptional coach.

Who Is Tia Jones’s Coach? Meet Tonja Buford-Bailey

Tonja Buford-Bailey isn’t just a coach, she’s the heart and soul of track and field. Think about it: back in 1996, she was out there on the Olympic stage in Atlanta, digging deep to clinch bronze in the grueling 400m hurdles. How can one forget the jaw-dropping 52.62-second sprint? It wasn’t just a race, it was history. She smashed the 53-second mark, leaving a mark that still makes fans’ eyes widen.

But here’s the thing: Tonja didn’t stop there. When she hung up her spikes, she traded them for a whistle and a clipboard, pouring that same fiery passion into coaching. At the University of Texas, she became the kind of mentor athletes dream of. She’s the quiet powerhouse behind Olympians like Courtney Okolo and Ashley Spencer, pushing them to greatness with a mix of tough love and unshakable faith. Her resume also reflects coaching 11 NCAA titles.

Then, she won the 2016 USATF Coach of the Year title. It’s cool, but Tonja’s real legacy isn’t in trophies. It’s in the athletes who walk away knowing they’re capable of more than they ever imagined.

She’s also the heartbeat of a vibrant, sports-loving family. Tonja Buford-Bailey is married to former NFL wide receiver Victor Bailey, and they’ve raised two dynamic kids. Their son, Victor Jr., took his athletic genes to the hardwood, playing pro basketball overseas in Germany. Meanwhile, their daughter, Victoria, brings her own flair to the family, working as a talented nail technician in Austin, Texas. Whether it’s sports or style, the Bailey household is all about precision, passion, and personal bests.

How Long Has Tia Been Training With Tonja? Inside Their Coaching Timeline

After years of training under her father, who was also a former pro athlete, and a brief stint with Jasmine Camacho-Quinn’s team, Tia moved to Austin in 2023 to work with Tonja. And do you know why? “I needed someone who’d push me and understand the mental game,” Tia explained. Tonja had wanted to coach her for years, calling Tia’s dad to pitch the partnership. This resulted in building instant chemistry.

Later in 2024, under Tonja, Tia started with a 7.72s win at the New Balance Grand Prix and that world-record-tying 7.67s at USATF Indoors. But disaster struck during the final; a crash into crash pads left her with an ACL tear, sidelining her for the World Indoor Championships. Tonja stayed pragmatic when she said, “Setbacks are setups for comebacks.”

In 2025, just 10 weeks post-surgery, Tia was back on track, rehabbing like a “determined maniac,” in Tonja’s words. By April 2025, she clocked a 12.63s 100m hurdles win at the Grand Slam Track (GST) event in Kingston. Tonja’s reaction? A proud Instagram story: “Fierce determination.”

Now, with the 2025 GST series in full swing, Tia’s eyes are on dominating the 100m hurdles circuit. But the real prize is going to be the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. And when it comes to Tonja, she is also prepping Tia for the mental grind. “It’s not just about speed. It’s about handling pressure when the world’s watching,” she said, referencing Tia’s viral 2024 crash. With meets in Miami, Philly, and LA ahead, this duo is betting big on resilience. What is your opinion on the same? Comment and let us know.