The story of Harry Williamson, UNC’s first ever Olympian
Posted Aug 5, 2018
Before Michael Jordan, Mia Hamm or any other Tar Heel made it to the Olympics, Harry Williamson was the first. Williamson was a star in track and field at UNC, having won multiple conference championships. He took part in the 800 meters at the 1936 Olympics. No other Tar Heel would make an Olympic team until fellow track and field athletes Bill Albans and Floyd “Chunk” Simmons in 1948.
(Tar Heel Blog)
Related: Track & Field
UNC’s top athletes of the 2025 calendar yearEthan Strand-Track & Field. Strand put together one heck of a career at UNC and capped it off in true style. He ended his time...
Thu Jan 1, 2026THT Newsletter: Jonathan Powell Breaks Out, UNC Football Coaching Shakeup, Seth Trimble on the Mend
It was a big week in Tar Heel sports, despite the exam break. Jonathan Powell had a breakout game, Bill Belichick shook up the UNC...
Mon Dec 15, 2025
Vera Sjöberg Named ACC Women’s Track Performer Of The Week
UNC's Vera Sjöberg earned her first ACC track and field accolade when she was named Women's Track Performer of the Week on Tuesday. Sjöberg (8:43.06)...
Wed Dec 10, 2025
THT Newsletter: Tar Heels Handle Hoyas, Women's Basketball Blisters Boston U, Football Transfers
No. 16 UNC Men's Basketball cruised to a 20-point victory over Georgetown, Women’s Basketball fell to No. 2 Texas and blasted Boston U, Tar Heel...
Mon Dec 8, 2025