Danny Harris

Danny Harris was a phenom who won a silver medal in the 400 metre hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics when he was only 18-years-old, trailing only legendary hurdler Edwin Moses. So much was expected of him and he backed this up with another silver at the 1987 World Championships. He is perhaps best known for a race in Madrid in 1987 when he defeated Moses, ending his 10-year winning streak of 122 races.

Harris ran in college at Iowa State University where his coach, Steve Lynn, urged him on to greatness. Harris won three NCAA titles in the 400 hurdles and four consecutive titles at the Drake Relays, and was never beaten in college by a collegiate runner in the intermediates. He was US Champion in 1986 and 1991. Harris was world ranked in the top 10 ten times between 1984-95, ranking #1 in 1990.

Harris was expected to win further Olympic medals, and possibly titles, but ran afoul of drug use. He got into cocaine, and ended up in treatment facilities, and rehab centers. He eventually straightened out his life, and later returned to school to earn his college degree, but he was past his athletic prime. Harris is a member of the Drake Relays Hall of Fame, the Iowa State University Hall of Fame, and the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame.

Personal Best: 400H – 47.38 (1991).