Alonzo Babers

Born into a military family, Alonzo Babers had a brief but successful athletics career. He grew up on a US military base in West Germany and from 1979-83 attended the US Air Force Academy, graduating with a major in aerospace engineering. He also ran track and played one season of American football at the Academy. Babers made his international début at the 1983 World Championships as a member of the American 4x400 m relay team, but the team finished in a disappointing sixth place in the final.

Babers’ best and final season as a competitive athlete was 1984. He was second at the US Olympic Trials in the 400 m and, although considered a long-shot for a medal, won golds in both the 400 metres and 4x400 relay. One month after his double-gold performance in Los Angeles, Babers, a lieutenant in the US Air Force, reported to flight training school and began his pilot career. He was an active duty officer in the US Air Force from 1983-91 and then served as a member of the Air Force Reserves. Baber later became a pilot for United Airlines.

Personal Best: 400 – 44.27 (1984).