Olympian and USC Alum Jack Davis Dies

Jack Davis was part of the group that worked hard to get the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista.

Funeral services for two-time Olympic silver medalist Jack Davis, who died Friday, will be held Thursday.

The champion hurdler who barely missed out on gold medals at the 1952 Games in Helsinki and the 1956 Games in Melbourne was 81. Both races ended in photo finishes.

The graduate of USC and Hoover High School in Glendale died at a San Diego hospital from complications of a fall, his family told the Los Angeles Times.

At Hoover, Davis was a champion hurdler and long jumper. Well liked by his peers, he was elected the school's student body president.

Continuing his track and field career at USC, Davis took home three championships in the 120-yard hurdles and one in the 220-yard hurdles. 

While Davis was there, from 1951 to 1953, the Trojans won three NCAA titles.

He graduated from USC with a degree in education and was inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.

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After finishing his decorated athletic career, Davis became a successful real estate developer.

Davis was part of the group that worked hard to get the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, the first facility devoted to the development and performance of future Olympians and Paralympians.

His family has requested that donations be made for athletic scholarships in his memory for future USC athletes.

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