Davenport, Willie D.
Track and field
b. June 8, 1943, Troy, AL
An Army private in 1964, Davenport was the surprise winner in the 110-meter hurdles at the U. S. Olympic trials and he suddenly became the favorite for the gold medal. A thigh injury hampered his form, however, and he lost in the Olympic semi-finals.
Davenport was the national champion in the event the next three years, 1965-67, and he won his gold medal in 1968 in what he considered a perfect race. "From the first step, the gun, I knew I had won the race," he said afterward. "It was perhaps the only race I ever ran that way, but that first step was so perfect, right on the money." He finished fourth in the 1972 Olympics and came back to win the bronze medal in 1976.
His best event may actually have been the 60-yard hurdles, an indoor event which is not on the Olympic program. Davenport was national champion in that event five times, in 1966 and 1967 and from 1969 through 1971.
In 1980, Davenport was on the U. S. Olympic bobsled team, making him the fourth American to compete in both the summer and winter games.