Otis Davis

Otis Crandall Davis (July 12, 1932 – September 14, 2024) was an American athlete. He won two gold medals for record-breaking performances in both the 400 m and 4 × 400 m relay at the 1960 Summer Olympics. Davis set a new world record of 44.9 seconds in the 400 m event. He became the first man to break the 45-second barrier at the Olympics.

Davis was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on July 12, 1932."Otis Davis". USA Track & Field. Retrieved March 20, 2012. He was black and Native American."Team USA Medal Winners at the Olympic Games". USA Track & Field. Retrieved March 21, 2012. He served four years in the United States Air Force, during the Korean War.Staab, Amanda (December 10, 2008). "Honoring the brave UC high school students hear from local veterans" . The Hudson Reporter.

During the 1960 Summer Olympics, Davis became friends with boxer Muhammed Ali. He was coached by Bill Bowerman.

Following the Olympics, Davis competed in some track meets, such as the 1961 U.S. Nationals at Randall's Island. He returned to Oregon, where he obtained his degree, a B.S. Health & Physical Education, in 1960."Biography". OtisDavisOlympian.com. Retrieved March 20, 2012. He later considered playing as wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams. After retiring from competition, Davis become a high school teacher, working in Springfield, Oregon for many years. 

In his later years, he worked as a verification officer at a high school in Union City, New Jersey and helped children with special needs.Machcinski, Anthony J. (December 20, 2012). "Union City Olympian Otis Davis, now 80, keeps up with community contributions". NJ.com.

Davis died on September 14, 2024 under hospice care in North Bergen, New Jersey at the age of 92.

References

Other websites

Official website
University of Oregon Duck Record Holders

Category:1932 births
Category:2024 deaths
Category:American track and field athletes
Category:Sportspeople from Alabama
Category:Sportspeople from Oregon
Category:Sportspeople from New Jersey
Category:Educators from Alabama
Category:Educators from Oregon
Category:Educators from New Jersey
Category:People from Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Category:People from Union City, New Jersey
Category:People from Springfield, Oregon
Category:American military personnel of the Korean War
Category:Olympic gold medalists for the United States