Diligence pays off for Dillard

Perhaps it was destiny, or chance, that Harrison Dillard (seen in this undated photo) went on to record four Olympic victories - the same as his boyhood idol, Jesse Owens.

For it was 1936 Olympic icon Owens, who, having spoken to the 13-year-old while at a post-Olympic Games victory parade in Cleveland, gave the young hopeful his first pair of spikes. Destiny or not, Dillard put them to good use.

Born in Cleveland, Dillard was an ace hurdler who competed in the 1948 Olympic 100m final by default but took full advantage by dashing to the gold medal.

Text and Images: AFP (Any unauthorised reproduction is prohibited)

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