A state champion runner in high school, Chaz Davis noticed a debilitating brightness in his right eye while sitting in class in his freshman year at the University of Harford. After completing his first cross country season, Davis was eventually diagnosed with leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), a rare disease that destroys the optic nerve in the eye and can result in sudden vision loss. After a hiatus from running, Davis returned to the sport after his college roommates offered to be his guide runners in a 5-mile race in his hometown where proceeds would benefit LHON research. That turning point led him to compete in his collegiate track and cross country programs as well as earn a nomination to his first U.S. Paralympic Track & Field Team for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. ...Son of Marquis and Audrey Davis…Has one younger brother, Austin who followed in Chaz’s footsteps and currently attends the University of Hartford…Owns a dog named Scooter and two cats, named George and Tango…Pursuing a master’s degree in social work and hopes to become a licensed social worker, therapist or a similar occupation in the field…Enjoys music and traveling.
- 2016 U.S. Paralympic Team Trials – Track & Field, gold (1500m, 5000m)
- Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games, 2nd (5000m)
- 2015 U.S. Paralympics Track & Field National Championships, 1st (5000m)
