Ronnie Harris

Career Running for Albemarle High School in Virginia, Harris was a two-time high school All American sprinter. He won three state titles at the 1975 Virginia High School League track and field championships and set a world age group record in the 440 yards. He was signed to the Tennessee Volunteers men's track and field team to start in 1976. Outdoors, he again placed 6th in the metric 400 metres.

Harris was controversially not selected for the second U.S. Olympic Festival in August 1979. Later that month, Harris was selected for his first international team at the 1979 Spartakiad of the Peoples of the USSR in Moscow. He placed a disappointing 6th in the 400 m but won a gold medal in the 4 × 400 m relay.

By virtue of his finish at the NCAA Championships, Harris was selected to represent the U.S. at the 1979 World University Games in Mexico City on the 4 × 400 m relay. The West German team was "heavily favored", but at the last minute they decided not to race, leaving an opportunity for Harris to win the gold medal. Harris helped his team win in 3:00.98, a Games record.

Harris was considered a serious contender to make the U.S. team at the 1980 Summer Olympics before United States president Carter decided to boycott the Games. Competing at the 1980 United States Olympic trials, Harris failed to qualify for the relay squad.

Personal life Harris was born 12 December 1956 and attended Albemarle High School in Charlottesville, Virginia. After graduation from college, he competed professionally for the Athletic Attic team coached by Jimmy Carnes.

Statistics Personal best progression + 400 m progression # Mark Competition Venue Date 1 46.53 Tuscaloosa, AL 2 45.79 Champaign, IL