Jack Davis (hurdler) facts for kids
Davis at the 1952 Olympics
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Quick facts for kids Personal information |
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| Born | September 11, 1930 Amarillo, Texas, U.S. |
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| Died | July 20, 2012 (aged 81) San Diego, California, U.S. |
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| Height | 190 cm | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 70 kg | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Athletics | |||||||||||||||||||
| Event(s) | 110 m hurdles | |||||||||||||||||||
| Club | U.S. Navy | |||||||||||||||||||
| Achievements and titles | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal best(s) | 110 mH – 13.3 (1956) | |||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Jack Wells Davis (born September 11, 1930 – died July 20, 2012) was an amazing American athlete. He was a top hurdler in track and field. A hurdler is someone who runs over barriers called hurdles.
Jack won two silver medals at the Olympic Games. He earned them in the 110-meter hurdles event. This happened at the 1952 and 1956 Olympics. He even set a new world record in 1956!
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Early Life and School Sports
Jack Davis grew up in Glendale, California. He went to Herbert Hoover High School. There, he was already a star athlete.
In 1949, he won two hurdle races. He also placed third in the long jump at a big state competition. Because of his great performance, he was named "Athlete of the Meet."
College Success
After high school, Jack went to the University of Southern California (USC). He continued to be a champion hurdler.
- He won the 120-yard hurdles three times at the NCAA championships.
- In 1953, he also won the 220-yard hurdles NCAA title.
- He was ranked the number one hurdler in the U.S. three times.
In 2004, Jack was honored for his amazing career. He was put into the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame. He also joined the USC Hall of Fame.
Olympic Achievements
Jack Davis was a two-time Olympic silver medalist. He competed in the 110-meter hurdles.
1952 Helsinki Olympics
At the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, Jack won his first silver medal. He finished with the exact same time as the gold medalist, Harrison Dillard. It was a very close race!
1956 Melbourne Olympics
Four years later, Jack competed again. At the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, he won another silver medal. Again, he finished with the same time as the winner, Lee Calhoun.
World Record
In 1956, Jack also set a new world record. He ran the 110-meter hurdles in just 13.4 seconds. This happened during a race at the AAU championships.
Life After Sports
After his incredible sports career, Jack Davis served in the U.S. Navy. He was in the Navy from 1954 to 1957.
Later, he became a real estate developer. He also helped create the United States Olympic Training Center. This center is in Chula Vista, California. It helps train future Olympic athletes.
