Harrison Dillard

Harrison Dillard is a former track and field athlete, representing the United States in various Olympics. Dillard was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in which he was a star high school athlete. In 1943, Dillard was drafted into the U.S. Military, where he served for three years before returning back to the United States in 1946. Inspired by Jesse Owens, Dillard began training for the Olympics, eventually making his debut at the 1948 Olympic Games. Dillard would reach the finals of the 100 m, giving him his first career gold medal. Later during the games, Dillard would compete in the 4X100 relay, winning another gold medal for the United States. Four years later, Dillard picked up right where he left off, earning two gold medals in the 110 m hurdles and the 4X100 men’s relay event. This would mark the end of Dillard’s Olympic career, and he turned his focus to professional baseball, where he worked with the Cleveland Indians scouting department.