Bio

Harold (Hal) Davis (born January 5, 1921 in Salinas, California, died August 12, 2007) was an American Track and Field athlete. He was a former World Record holder in the 100 metres. In 1974, he was elected to the USA Track & Field National Track and Field Hall of Fame.

Nicknamed the "California Comet", he tied Jesse Owens world record running into a headwind at the Compton Relays on June 6, 1941 and was regarded as the fastest sprinter in the world for a four year period. Unfortunately for Davis, this was during World War II and the Olympics were cancelled, depriving him of an opportunity for international recognition. He was originally coached in Junior College by Hall of Fame coach Lloyd (Bud) Winter, then later at the University of California by Hall of Fame coach Brutus Hamilton