Helsinki 1952, Games of the XV Olympiad. Men's athletics, final of the 110m hurdles: gold medallist William Harrison DILLARD of the United States in action. Credit: IOC Olympic Museum Collections

Other names: DILLARD, William Harrison

Born: 8 July 1923

Birthplace: Cleveland (United States)

Nationality: United States

Sport: Athletics

ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

London 1948

Helsinki 1952

AWARDS

Olympic medals:

Gold: 4

"Good Things Come to Those Who Wait"

Harrison Dillard began hurdling at the age of eight, running in an alley and using the springs from abandoned car seats as barriers. During 1947 and 1948, Dillard won 82 straight races. However, in the final of the 110m hurdles at the U.S. Olympic trials, he lost his stride and failed to finish. Fortunately, he had already qualified in the 100m dash. At the 1948 London Olympics, Dillard edged teammate Barney Ewell for the gold medal. He won a second gold medal in the 4x100m relay. But Dillard still wanted to win an Olympic hurdles championship. Four years later, the 29-year-old Dillard got his chance in Helsinki. He was hard-pressed by fellow American Jack Davis, but he surged ahead at the end and crossed the finish line first. The usually calm Dillard leaped for joy and exclaimed, "Good things come to those who wait." Dillard won another gold medal in the relay to bring his career total to four.