Archie Williams

Archibald ("Archie") Franklin Williams (May 1, 1915 – June 24, 1993) was an African-American athlete and teacher, winner of 400 meter run at the 1936 Summer Olympics. Born in Oakland, California, Archie Williams had one great year but he did more in that one year than many athletes achieve in a lifetime. Williams attended University High School in Oakland, then San Mateo Junior College (now College of San Mateo). His coach, Dr. Oliver Byrd, was instrumental in preparing him for future achievements. Soon Williams transferred to the University of California, Berkeley to become a mechanical engineer and he continued to run track. Until 1936, Williams had never broken 49 seconds for the 440 yd (402 m). During 1936, however, Williams kept lowering his times and reached his peak at the NCAA championships, setting a world record in 400 m of 46.1. His time was set in the preliminaries and he also prevailed in the final for a 47.0 victory. He followed that up with a first in the Olympic Trials...