Otis Davis spent four years in the US Air Force during the Korean War, before enrolling at the University of Oregon as a basketball player, taking up track in 1958 at the age of 26. The following year he ran 46.5 for 440y and finished third in the AAU, and in 1960 he won the AAU before going on to take the Olympic title with a world record of 44.9 (45.07). Davis also ran the anchor on the gold medal winning relay team, which also set a world record. After winning the 1961 AAU 440y, Davis retired, ending a brief but brilliant track career. He went into coaching and teaching until 1980 when he was appointed the Director of Recreation of the Sports Complex for the U.S. Military in Germany. During his long career after college, Davis served as a teacher, guidance counselor, truant officer, coach, and mentor to many young children and aspiring athletes. He is a member of the National Track and Field Hall of Fame and Oregon Hall of Fame and in 2015 received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Oregon.
Personal Bests: 100 – 9.5 (1962); 220y – 20.9 (1961); 400 – 45.07 (1960).
United States