Alonzo Babers

Alonzo Babers had a brief but quite successful international athletics career. Born into a military family, Babers grew up in a US military base in West Germany and, from 1979-83, attended the United States Air Force Academy, graduating with a major in aerospace engineering and also running track and playing one season of American football with them. Babers made his international début at the 1983 World Championships as a member of the American 4x400 relay team, but the team finished in a disappointing sixth place in the final. The next year was the best and last season for Babers as a competitive athlete. Babers was second at the US Olympic trials in the 400 m and, although not considered as a potential medal candidate at the Olympics, won gold in both the 400 metres and 4x400 relay. While training for and competing in the 1984 Olympics, Babers held the rank of Lieutenant in the US Air Force. Just one month after his double-gold performance in Los Angeles, Babers reported to flight training school and began a career as a pilot, ending his athletics career. He was an active duty officer in the US Air Force from 1983-91 and later served in the Air Force Reserves. Babers later became a pilot for United Airlines.

Personal Best: 400 – 44.27 (1984).