Suzy Favor Hamilton’s name removed from Big Ten female athlete of the year award

The Big Ten Conference announced this week that the name of Suzy Favor Hamilton was removed from the award that goes to the Big Ten female athlete of the year.

Suzy Favor Hamilton, an Olympic and University of Wisconsin track star, worked as a $600-an-hour escort in Las Vegas under the name of Kelly Lundy.

A spokesman for the Big Ten, Scott Chipman, said that Suzy Favor Hamilton’s name was removed from the award after discussions between the league and Wisconsin.

Suzy Favor Hamilton, 44, competed in the Olympics in 1992, 1996 and 2000. She is a native of Stevens Point.

The Smoking Gun website in December first reported that Suzy Favor Hamilton worked as an escort in Las Vegas. She later described it as a “coping mechanism” tied to depression and other personal issues.

Suzy Favor Hamilton was the Big Ten’s female athlete of the year three times beginning in 1988 and she retains those honors. She won seven U.S. national titles, her last in 1999.

Her time in the 800 meters (1:59.11), which she ran on June 1, 1990, ranks first on the all-time collegiate women’s list. Her time in the 1,500 meters (4:08.26) ranks seventh on the all-time collegiate list.

In an email to the Wisconsin State Journal, Suzy Favor Hamilton declined to comment on the Big Ten’s decision to remove her name from the award.

“[I’m] focused on getting well and making amends to my loved ones,” Suzy Favor Hamilton said.

“That’s all for now.”