Courtesy of Hartford Athletics
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Chaz Davis, a member of the University of Hartford's track and field team, tore up the track on Friday evening and became the national champion in the 5,000-meter run at the United States Paralympics Track and Field Championships. The event was held at the Robert and Alexandra Klas Center, which is located on the campus of Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn."We are incredibly proud of Chaz," commented assistant coach Mike DuPaul. "He has been working unbelievably hard and his gold medal is proof of that. What he is has been able to accomplish in the face of adversity is truly special, and he is an inspiration to all."A rising senior, Davis began losing his central vision in his right eye during his freshman season and following the end of the semester, he was diagnosed with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), a rare genetic disease that destroys the optic nerve. He resumed collegiate competition last December and has since competed in the 3,000-meter and 5,000-meter events.Davis blew away his competition on Friday, finishing the race in 16:09.71. That time was more than 52 seconds better than his closest competitor, who clocked-in at 17:02.71. A native of Grafton, Mass., Davis' ultimate goal is to qualify for the Paralympics in Brazil next year in the 5,000-meters.