Olympic Medalist Harris Returns to Iowa State

AMES, Iowa ? Danny Harris, one of the greatest athletes in Iowa State history, has returned to ISU to finish the bachelor's degree he began as a Cyclone in 1983. The Perris, Calif. native, who won three NCAA 400-meter hurdle titles and a silver medal in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, will lend that experience to the Iowa State track team as a student assistant coach under head coach Corey Ihmels.

“Iowa State is an institution that I love and it gave me a start in my athletic and academic life up to this point,” Harris said. “There are so many positives and no negatives.”

Harris is shooting to earn his bachelor's degree in general studies. Additionally, Harris will share his personal story with groups and individuals, who might be inspired by his message.

“There is no question that Danny's story and his life experiences will be educational and enlightening to many individuals and it is great that he is willing to share what he has persevered through to get where he is today,” said Ihmels.

In his remarkable career, Harris helped lead Iowa State to a trio of outdoor Big Eight Conference team titles and two indoor league crowns during his three-year career. He won 12 Big Eight career titles, more than any other Iowa Stater. Harris set Big Eight records in the 110-meter high hurdles, the 400-meter hurdles, the 600-yard dash and in the 4x400-meter relay.

“This is a great opportunity for Danny to come back and enrich his future,” Ihmels said. “At the same time he can work with our team and enrich the future of student-athletes here at Iowa State.”

Originally intending to play football at Iowa State and in the NFL, Harris went on to world track stardom as a freshman at ISU in 1984. In Harris' first spring at Iowa State, he broke the event's world junior record in just his third collegiate race. He finished second only twice as an 18-year-old in 1984, both times to the legendary Edwin Moses at the Olympic Trials and at the Olympic Games.

“When I got out of high school, I never imagined that I would come back 25 years later to finish what I started,” Harris said. “This is really an opportunity for me to close some of the circles that have been left open. Getting my degree is a huge part of that as is being a part of Cyclone athletics and the Iowa State family. Those things are now my focus. I feel humbled to have the opportunity to come back to a place that gave me so much.”

Harris collected three NCAA 400-meter hurdle titles (1984-86) and four Drake Relays crowns while at Iowa State. The seven-time All-American was never beaten by a collegiate athlete in the 400-meter hurdles during his time at ISU. He went on to earn a silver medal in the 400-meter hurdles in the 1987 World Track and Field Championships in Rome. That same summer, he ended Moses' legendary 122-race win streak in a 400-meter hurdle showdown in Spain. It is that experience that he looks to use while working with ISU student-athletes.

“Coming back here gives me an opportunity to go into the coaching profession,” Harris said. “I am very interested in pursuing this career. This situation will allow me to learn and work with the coaches at Iowa State while getting my degree."

Iowa State University Athletics

Olympic Medalist Harris Returns to Iowa State

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