| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Harry Webb Williamson |
| Born | (1913-07-11)July 11, 1913 High Point, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | April 8, 2000(2000-04-08) (aged 86) Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Education | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Spouse | Mildred Beasley |
| Children | 1 |
Harry Webb Williamson (July 11, 1913 – April 8, 2000) was an Americanmiddle-distance runner. Originally viewed more as amiler, he made theOlympic final at800 meters in 1936. He was a native ofHigh Point, North Carolina.[1]
Williamson, representing theNorth Carolina Tar Heels, was the 1934Southern Conference champion at both 880 yards and the mile.[2] At theNCAA championships he placed fourth in the mile;[2][3] as an upcoming talent, he was viewed as one of America's brightest hopes for the1936 Summer Olympics.[2] In 1935 he placed second in theNCAA championship mile, losing by inches toEmporia State'sArchie San Romani as both were timed in 4:19.1.[3][4]
At the1936 Olympic Trials, however, Williamson opted for the 800 meters. He was up againstworld record holder and world leaderBen Eastman,NCAA andnational championCharles Beetham, returning OlympianChuck Hornbostel and the eventual Olympic champion,John Woodruff.[5][6] Woodruff ran a very fast 1:49.9 in the semi-finals and was followed home by Abraham Rosenkrantz and Eastman;[5][7] Williamson qualified as third from the other, slower semi-final, won by Ross Bush.[5] In the final, Williamson and Bush led the way for the first lap.[5] Early in the second lap, Beetham collided with Marmaduke Hobbs, losing his chances;[5][7] at almost exactly the same time, Rosenkrantz moved to the front. He was then passed by Woodruff and Hornbostel.[5] Williamson closed with a fast sprint; while he failed to catch Woodruff or Hornbostel, he overtook Rosenkrantz at the very end, clinching the third and final Olympic spot in a time of 1:51.4.[5][7]
At the Olympics inBerlin Williamson won his heat.[1] He also won in his semi-final, making his move in the backstretch to pass1932 bronze medalistPhil Edwards ofCanada.[8] In the final he finished sixth.[1]
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