Former National Long distance champion Joe Davis passes away

Jul 02, 2023 Sports

Kaieteur Sports – An iconic Guyanese long-distance athlete has completed his last mile and taken his final breath. Joseph Davis called ‘Joe Davis’ who ruled the track in long-distance events for more than two decades, died in the US. He sparkled from the 1950s through the 1970s. His love for the sport saw him competing beyond his peak, hanging up his boots in the 1980s.

Joe Davis became a household name in Guyana, earning the nickname – King of the Distance. On the track, he dominated the 5000m and 10000m. He also left his competitors behind in the Marathon and half marathon road races. The longer the distance the better it was for Davis.

Davis etched his name in the annals of Guyana’s athletics. His storied career includes grueling battles with the likes of Harry Powell, Moses Dwarka, George De Pena, Clem Fields and Godfrey Washington.

Former national middle-distance champion Jerrick Corlette remembers Davis’ outstanding career and applauds his contribution to the development of scores of top athletes from Berbice.

Former National Long Distance Champion Joe Davis

Davis hailed from Corentyne, Berbice but lived most of his life in East Canje before migrating to the United States. He and the late national middle distance champion Ulric Williams were a dominant pair from East Canje. During their heydays, Davis dominated the longer distances and Williams dominated the middle distances.

It was Davis who popularized a road race from Skeldon to New Amsterdam – an event he won multiple times. He also created excitement around an annual road race that started from the defunct No. 19 Toll Station, East Coast of Berbice and saw competitors bursting for the finish line in New Amsterdam.

Davis worked at the Rose Hall Estate and served in the Guyana Police Force. He competed for both entities with success and represented Guyana at many meets in the Caribbean.

Davis was 86 years old when he took his last breath. A celebration of his life is being held in the United States of America, today. He will be laid to rest on Monday, July 3rd. (Samuel Whyte)

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