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.^[1] Davis set a new world record of 44.9 seconds in the 400 m event.^[2] He became the first man to break the 45-second barrier at the Olympics.^[3][2]

Davis was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on July 12, 1932.^[4] He was black and Native American.^[5] He served four years in the United States Air Force,^[6] during the Korean War.^[7]

During the 1960 Summer Olympics, Davis became friends with boxer Muhammed Ali.^[6] 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,^[6][1] a B.S. Health & Physical Education, in 1960.^[8] 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.^[1]

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.^[9]

Davis died on September 14, 2024 under hospice care in North Bergen, New Jersey at the age of 92.^[10][11]