Harry Williamson

Harry Webb Williamson (July 11, 1913 – April 8, 2000) was an American middle-distance runner. Originally viewed more as a miler, he made the Olympic final at 800 meters in 1936. He was a native of High Point, North Carolina.

Career Williamson attended High Point High School in High Point, North Carolina. In 1930, he won the NCHSAA state championship in the mile.

Representing the North Carolina Tar Heels, he was the 1934 Southern Conference champion at both 880 yards and the mile. as an upcoming talent, he was viewed as one of America's brightest hopes for the 1936 Summer Olympics.

At the 1936 Olympic Trials, however, Williamson opted for the 800 meters. He was up against world record holder and world leader Ben Eastman, NCAA and national champion Charles Beetham, returning Olympian Chuck Hornbostel and the eventual Olympic champion, John Woodruff. Woodruff ran a very fast 1:49.9 in the semi-finals and was followed home by Abraham Rosenkrantz and Eastman; Williamson qualified as third from the other, slower semi-final, won by Ross Bush. In the final he finished sixth.