The U.S. has dominated the men's 400 meters through the years and Otis Davis is one of the nation's all-time greats in that event. Known primarily for his prowess on the basketball court, Davis didn't take up running the 400 meters in track and field until he was 26 years old. At the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, he won by a hair over Germany's Carl Kaufmann, setting a world record of 44.9 seconds and becoming the first man to break the heralded 45-second barrier. Two days later, Davis and Kaufmann met again for the 4x400m relay final. He held off the challenge, anchoring home the gold with another world record performance of 3:02.2. Davis was the 1961 USA Outdoor 400m champion, and he was ranked in the top ten in the world three times during his career. Prior to attending the University of Oregon, he served four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Davis retired from competing in 1961, and became a teacher in Springfield, Oregon, for many years, before moving to Union City, New Jersey, where he became a verification officer, coach, and mentor. He is the founder and former president of the US Olympians Tri-States Chapter, and founded and currently runs United Athletes, LLC, where he oversees an annual event at the New York Athletic Club to recognize young athletes who have good grades and who have shown a commitment to community service. Events 400 m - 44.90 Records Held World Record: 400 m - 45.67 (August 8, 1960) World Record: 400 m - 45.62 (September 5, 1960) World Record: 400 m - 45.07 (September 6, 1960) World Record: 1,600 yd. relay - 3:05.60 (August 8, 1960) World Record: 1,600 m relay - 3:02.20 (September 8, 1960) Championships 1960 USA Outdoor Championships: 400 m - 45.80 (1st) 1961 USA Outdoor Championships: 440 yd. - 46.10 (1st) Occupations Teacher Counselor President of the Tri-States Olympic Alumni Association