Monday, February 24, 2003

Otis Davis has formed a career out of running.

While Davis is most famous for the two gold medals he won in the 1960 Olympics - for the 400 meter dash and the 1,600 meter relay - now Davis is known for running of a different sort.

In addition to working as a truant officer for the Union City School District, Davis currently runs Safe Haven, an after-school sports program for children ages 8 to 12 in Union City. Davis also acts as president of the tri-state Olympic Alumni Association, which he helped found.

And even more recently, the current Union City resident visited Jersey City's School 38 on Stegman Avenue.

As part of the school's Black History Month celebration, four 8th grade classes gathered in the gymnasium to hear Davis discuss his Olympic experience and also offer words of advice.

Wearing a navy track suit, with a gleaming whistle dangling from his neck, Davis stood against a backdrop of brightly colored welcoming signs painted by the students.

"Track and field is a great test of character. Don't ask me how I did it - I don't know. I just followed the script," Davis told the awestruck group.

Unlike many athletes who've trained since childhood, Davis did not even join a track and field team until he was 26. Originally a basketball player at the University of Oregon, the first time Davis ran in the 400 meters in competition, he came within three tenths of a second of breaking the school record.

"Whatever color you are, be tolerant, be strong, believe in God if that's your choice, study hard, get an education and believe in yourself," Davis told the students.

He described his own childhood as difficult. Growing up in a fairly integrated area of Alabama, Davis had to travel over four miles every day to a segregated black school, despite the fact he lived a block away from a white high school.

"It was challenging, but I always had a dream - I always wanted to be in sports. Let's just say that I did a lot of daydreaming."

Davis encouraged the students to think about what own their dreams and talents are and focus on reaching them, even if the journey seems difficult.

"If there's something that the man up there wants you to do, you'll do it. It might take you a long time, but if you've got some inkling, even if it's farfetched, pursue it," Davis emphasized.

One student, Tatiana Davis, who plans on joining the track and field team when she begins high school, took Davis' advice personally. "He was really good - he inspired me to pursue my dreams and never give up," she explained.

Roya Harrison, another student, agreed. "It's nice to see that someone believes in following their dreams."

The teachers at School 38 were just as inspired by the visiting Olympian. Allen Gross, a physical education teacher who was also responsible for planning the event, said that he was thrilled with the presentation.

"It's certainly very exciting. He's the only Olympian we've ever had here. And for him to come during Black History Month is even more special," Gross said.

"The kids get to see someone just like them who is successful and gives back to the community. And he was such a gentleman," added Johanna O'Neill, an 8th grade teacher.

Ashley Ortiz, a student, said she was most impressed that a gold medalist wanted to visit her school. "It was interesting, because we've never met an Olympian before. It's kind of weird to have him talk to us, but it's cool because he won two gold medals."

And those two medals, which are kept safely locked away, forever changed Davis' life. "The gold medals gave me a responsibility - they showed me I had a responsibility to people your age and older," Davis told the crowd.

"I'm on this earth to help other people. And all of you are here for a reason, too. I want all of you to start finding your talent as soon as possible."