COLUMBUS—Today, the office of State Senator Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights) testified in favor of Senate Bill 306, which would designate July 8th as Harrison Dillard Day in Ohio.
“Harrison Dillard is an outstanding athlete – one of the most consistent hurdlers the world has ever seen,” said Senator Yuko. “I am truly proud that this inspiring and groundbreaking competitor is from Northeast Ohio.”
William Harrison Dillard is the only man who has ever won Olympic medals in both sprinting and hurdles. Dillard was born in Cleveland, attended East Technical High School, and entered Baldwin-Wallace College in 1941. In the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, he tied the world record for the 100-meter sprint, winning the gold in this race in the first use of a photo finish at an Olympic Game. He also won gold in 1948 for the 4x100-meter relay. At the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, he won gold for the 110-meter hurdles and the 4x100-meter relay.
“Harrison Dillard is more than a history-making athlete, he is an incredible man,” said Senator Yuko. “It is only fitting that we have a day honoring this truly impressive Olympian.”
Harrison Dillard was in charge of communications for the Cleveland Indians for ten years. He currently resides in Richmond Heights, Ohio, and is a constituent of Senator Yuko.
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