Otis Harris facts for kids
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||
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| Born | June 30, 1982 (age 43) Edwards, Mississippi, U.S. |
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| Sport | |||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Running | ||||||||||||||||
| Event(s) | 400 meters | ||||||||||||||||
| Achievements and titles | |||||||||||||||||
| Personal best(s) | 400 m: 44.16 | ||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Otis Harris Jr. is an American track and field athlete. He was born on June 30, 1982, in Edwards, Mississippi. Otis Harris is best known for his amazing performance at the 2004 Summer Olympics. There, he won a silver medal in the 400 meters race. He also helped his team win a gold medal in a relay event.
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Early Life and High School Achievements
Otis Harris grew up in Mississippi. He went to Hinds Agricultural High School in Utica, Mississippi. Even in high school, Otis was a fantastic runner. He earned many awards and was named a first team All-American. This means he was one of the best young athletes in the country.
Junior Olympics Success
During his high school years, Otis Harris showed his talent early. He won the 400 meters race twice at the Junior Olympics. He also helped his high school team win three state championships. These early wins showed he was a rising star in track and field.
College Career at South Carolina
In 2000, Otis Harris went to the University of South Carolina. He joined their track and field team, known as the Gamecocks. His college career was also very successful.
NCAA Championship Team
As a Gamecock, Otis was part of a winning team. In 2002, his team won the NCAA championship. This was for the 4 × 400 meters relay race. The NCAA championships are a big deal for college sports. In 2003, he finished as the runner-up in the 400 meters race.
Olympic Glory in 2004
The year 2004 was a big one for Otis Harris. He competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. This is where he earned his most famous medals.
Silver Medal in 400 Meters
Otis Harris ran incredibly well in the 400 meters race. He finished second in his qualifying races. In the final, he won the silver medal. He came in just after his teammate, Jeremy Wariner. Another American, Derrick Brew, finished third.
Gold Medal in Relay Race
After their individual races, Otis Harris joined forces with Jeremy Wariner, Derrick Brew, and Darold Williamson. Together, they formed the United States team for the 4 × 400 meters relay. They ran a fantastic race and won the gold medal for their country. This was a proud moment for the team.
World Athletics Final
One month after the Olympics, Otis Harris competed again. He took part in the 2004 IAAF World Athletics Final. He finished third in this event.
Life After the Olympics
After his success in 2004, Otis Harris continued to train. He works with his college coach, Curtis Frye. They train in Columbia, South Carolina. While he has not competed in major international championships since 2004, his Olympic medals remain a highlight of his career.
See also
In Spanish: Otis Harris para niños
