Iris Davis Explained

Iris LaVerne Davis-Hicks (April 30, 1950  - September 18, 2021)[1] was an American track and field sprinter who specialized in the 100-meter dash. She was the 1971 Pan American Games champion in that event and also won a gold medal in the 4 × 100-meter relay.[2] She represented the United States at the 1972 Munich Olympics and twice narrowly missed out on a medal: first in the 100 m, placing fourth behind Cuba's Silvia Chivás, then in the relay, where Chivás again outsprinted her to bronze on the final leg.[3]

Davis was born in an African-American family in Pompano Beach, Florida.[3] Nationally she was a four-time champion: twice in the 100 m (1971, 1973) and twice in the 60-meter dash (1972, 1973). She was runner-up in the 100-yard dash in 1969 and 1970, and also had top three placings in the 100 m at the 1972 Olympic trials and the 1972 outdoor championships.[4] [5] [6]

She was a member of the Tigerbelles collegiate team for Tennessee State University, which had a strong history of women's sprinting including double Olympic champion Wyomia Tyus.[7]

International competitions

1971Pan American GamesCali, Colombiabgcolor=gold1st100 m11.25
bgcolor=gold1st4 × 100 m relay44.59
1972Olympic GamesMunich, Germany4th100 m11.32
4th4 × 100 m relay43.39

National titles

See also

Notes and References

  1. https://tsutigers.com/news/2021/9/22/womens-track-and-field-tsu-remembers-tigerbelle-iris-davis-hicks-1950-2021.aspx Iris Davis' obituary
  2. http://www.gbrathletics.com/ic/pag.htm Pan American Games
  3. https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/da/iris-davis-1.html Iris Davis
  4. http://trackfield.brinkster.net/Profile.asp?ID=547&Gender=W Iris Davis
  5. http://www.gbrathletics.com/nc/usawi.htm USA Championships Women Indoor
  6. http://www.gbrathletics.com/nc/usaw.htm United States Championships (Women)
  7. http://www.tsutigers.com/wcc/news/2009-10/3505/tigerbelles-to-host-2nd-annual-homecoming-reunion-announces-2009-10-schedule/ Tigerbelles to host 2nd Annual Homecoming Reunion, Announces 2009-10 Schedule