A series called Sports Heroes Who Served honors athletes who participated in the American military.
Willie Davenport won a gold medal in 1968 and bronze in 1976 while competing in the 110-meter hurdles at the Summer Olympics in 1964, 1968, 1972, and 1976.  , ++
Davenport competed in the bobsledding competition at the Winter Olympics in 1980, making him one of the few athletes to do so.  ,
Davenport, who enlisted in the Army in 1961, had a successful athletic career in addition to that. Lee Barracks in Mainz, West Germany, was one of his duty stations. In 1965, he received an honorable discharge.  ,
Davenport attended Southern University A&, M in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, using his GI Bill. He enlisted in the Southern Jaguars ‘ football team while still a college student.  , ++
The New Orleans Saints selected Davenport as a wide receiver in 1969 because he excelled in college football. Later in 1969, the San Diego Chargers also selected him. He never did, however, enter into a contract with either team.  ,
His four-man U.S. bobsled team finished 12th in his 1980 attempt at the Winter Olympics.  ,
There is a widespread misconception that Black people cannot compete in the winter Olympics. Jeff]Jordan] and I disproved this, demonstrating that success can be attained without being wealthy or white, Davenport told” Jet” magazine in 1980. On Davenport’s bobsled team was Jordan.  ,
Davenport was given a direct commission in the Louisiana Army National Guard in 1981. Later, he oversaw the 741st Corps Support Battalion of the Oregon Army National Guard.  ,
Davenport took over as the Army’s track coach in January 1993. Along with coaching, he also had to find and evaluate athletes who had applied for the 70-person team.  ,
” I can help in some way. Not just because of my experience, but also because being a teacher and motivator are prerequisites for coaching. I believe I am qualified, Davenport added.  ,
From 1993 to 1996, he oversaw the All-Army men’s track teams to an unheard-of four consecutive seasons.  ,
” He really enjoyed interacting with and assisting young people.” According to Army Chief Warrant Officer Dennis Loy, he was aware of how the Army’s sports program operated.  ,
He valued young athletes just as much as the summertime runners and the wintertime bobsled riders. Loy claimed that Davenport’s yearly celebrity golf tournament in Oregon served as a symbol of his dedication to the young people of America. Young women received college scholarships from the proceeds.  ,
In September 1999, Davenport was named the Office of Sports Management’s new chief. On June 17, 2002, he passed away from a heart attack, contrary to his earlier plans to retire before turning 60.  , ++
Davenport had attained colonel status and was 59 years old.  ,