After graduating from Carroll County Training School at age 16, she wanted to attend Tuskegee Institute.

Two years later, she won the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) indoor meet in New York City, winning the 50-yard dash and setting a new American record.

She won the gold medal with her teammates Mae Faggs, Barbara Jones and Janet Moreau.

This particular race was an upset, because the Australians and their star, Marjorie Jackson, whom they called "Jet", were heavily favored to win.

Despite this fact, Hardy and her teammates set a new world record, and brought home the gold in this event.

[2] Hardy was offered coaching positions in the northern U.S., but chose to enter her field of study—education—in Atlanta, Georgia.

After her mother died in 1987, Hardy Lavender returned to education by substitute teaching in the Atlanta Public Schools system.