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

Makayla Paige Earns Silver In Fastest NCAA Championships 800m Race Ever
Makayla Paige (1:58.97), the women's 800m silver medalist, was part of the greatest NCAA Championships 800m race, as every finalist ran the fastest time a...
Sun Jun 15, 2025

Ethan Strand Finishes As 1,500m National Runner-up
UNC men's track and field team posted its highest team finish at the outdoor national championships since 2007 as the Tar Heels tied for 17th...
Sat Jun 14, 2025

UNC Track & Field to Send 7 Tar Heels to NCAA Outdoor Championships
Seven UNC athletes advanced to the NCAA Track & Field Outdoor National Championships next week with their performances in the regional round. Distance runner Ethan...
Wed Jun 4, 2025

UNC’s ACC, NCAA title numbers easily outshine the rest of the league
As UNC Baseball begins its pursuit of a second straight trip to the College World Series, it has already been a dominant school year for...
Tue May 27, 2025