US track legend Dillard dies at 96

WASHINGTON: Harrison Dillard, a 1940s track star who had been the oldest living US Olympic gold medalist, died Friday at age 96, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced Saturday.Dillard, who had been hospitalized at the Cleveland Clinic with stomach cancer, won the 100 meters at the 1948 London Olympics, edging compatriot Barney Ewell in the first photo finish in Olympic history.Dillard also won 110m hurdles gold at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics and was part of the US 4x100 gold medal relays at the 1948 and 1952 Olympics. He remains the only man in Olympic history to capture gold in the 100m and the 110 hurdles.“We are saddened to learn of Harrison Dillard’s death after a battle with cancer,” USA Track and Field said in a statement.“His legacy as a gold medalist in the 100m and 110m hurdles remains as an amazing achievement. “Our sport has lost someone special.”

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2QplF6F