Demetria Davis, a track and field standout, won gold in the women’s 4x400m at the World Championship in Paris, France, 21 years ago. Twenty-one years later, Davis will return to the same stadium where she won gold at the 2003 World Championship, but this time as part of Team USA Track and Field’s support staff for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Last year, after applying for the position, the board nominated the Fayetteville, NC native. A humble Davis sees the nomination as a blessing and badge of honor for her previous work as an athlete and as an event and head manager for several teams, including the World Championship squad that guided and supported teams with her professional athletic experience. As a former athlete, she understands what it’s like to be on the sidelines competing for a championship, and she’s excited to offer her knowledge to track and field competitors around the country while representing Team USA.
The former Terry Sanford High School athlete also stated that the moment is meaningful to her because she recalls how her father, who died two years ago, was by her side to see her glory on the world-renowned track and field stage.
“It’s a full circle moment,” Davis told the Exclusive Press (EP), describing her return to the Olympics after competing as a sprinter and winning gold. “It wasn’t anything but God,” she explained.
ACCOLADES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Davis, who excelled in sports and academics at the University of South Carolina, She has six NCAA championship titles under her belt for the 2000 Outdoor 4x400m, 2001 Indoor 400m, 2001 Indoor 4x400m, 2002 Indoor 4x400m, 2002 Outdoor 4x100m, and 2002 Outdoor 4x400m.
According to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks’ athletic website, Davis holds the school record with 21 All-American honors and won the National Indoor Athlete of the Year award in 2002. Davis was part of the 4×4 relay team that produced a mark of 3:26.46, which remained the fastest time in Gamecock history for 20 years until 2022. In addition to winning the World Championship, she received a silver medal at the 2003 USA Outdoor Championship.
In the fall of 2023, the University of South Carolina’s Association of Lettermen’s Athletics Hall of Fame will induct her as the most decorated athlete.
Davis is currently the pastor at Force of Life Fayetteville, alongside her husband, former Fayetteville City Councilman Christopher Davis. She is also a grandmother and the mother of five amazing children. The biggest award for the 2022 Mother of the Year is her family, which she cherishes dearly, saying she wouldn’t trade them for the world. Davis is also a private chef who has her own catering company, Dee’s Champion Cuisine.
WE’RE IN THIS RACE TOGETHER
Davis will have the opportunity to pass the baton and share her wealth of knowledge with fantastic track and field athletes from across the country, including Hope Mills native Quanera Hayes, who has won several medals, including the World Indoor Championship, US Olympic Trials, Diamond League Championship, and World Relays, according to WorldAthletics.org.
“All of them are such amazing athletes. Each person that made the team, from the athletes down to the staff—the national staff, coaches, and medical staff—are absolute stars,” Davis remarked, noting the talent on the team.
In addition, her friend and college track and field teammate, Mechelle (Lewis) Freeman, and one of her college coaches, Deletha Quarles, will be on the team’s support staff. Davis states that she’s honored to be in that space with those ladies.
PASSING THE BATON
Track and field became an important aspect of Davis’s life early on. She knows from experience that competing on a world-renowned sporting platform requires hard work and dedication, having seen athletes give it their best in preparation for the Olympics.
She understands that her mission is to do her duties as an event organizer, but she also understands that her first responsibility is to be a servant of the Lord, allowing God to use her as he sees fit. She wants to be a guiding light for the team, inspiring people to rise to the challenge and shine brilliantly.
“I’ve come to understand that this is a significant task from God, and I approach it with that understanding, trusting in His guidance both during my journey and even before I arrive.” I did that at the Olympic trials. I’m praying for these athletes, covering them and the team. It’s really an assignment from God. So that’s how I can contribute—by being a servant and simply giving back, knowing that this is all God’s doing,” Davis explained.
THE GOLD MEDAL FOR LIFE
Davis’ life as an athlete, team manager, preacher, mother, wife, grandmother, and businesswoman illustrates her influence and impact on the lives of others.
“It’s always important to be intentional about everything that you do—understanding that everything has a purpose and there’s people always watching you that you have got to be accountable for,” Davis told me.
Davis’s status as a representative of Team USA Track and Field serves a larger objective and purpose. She recognizes that her character, desire, dedication, resiliency, and actions will have a beneficial impact on her team, country, and the world.
The Olympics will run from July 26, 2024, until August 11, 2024. Readers can stay up-to-date on the track and field schedule by visiting www.olympics.com.
CBS News reports that NBC and Telemundo will broadcast the Olympics from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Golf Channel, the USA Network, and CNBC will cover some of the sporting events. Peacock will livestream every event at the Paris 2024 Olympics.