12 Facts About Archie Williams

Archie Franklin Williams was an American US Air Force officer, athlete, and teacher.

Archie Williams was the winner of the 400 meter run at the 1936 Summer Olympics.

Archie Williams was born in Oakland, California, to a family that was active in promoting Black civil rights.

Archie Williams attended University High School in Oakland, then San Mateo Junior College.

Soon Williams transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, to become a mechanical engineer and he continued to run track.

Until 1936, Archie Williams had never broken 49 seconds for the 440 yd.

Archie Williams's time was set in the preliminaries, and he prevailed in the final for a 47.0 victory.

Archie Williams followed that up with a first in the Olympic Trials, then went to Berlin and won the Olympic gold medal in the 400m.

Archie Williams remained a weather officer and rated pilot his entire career, earning his command pilot rating and commanding several weather detachments before retirement from the air force in 1964.

Archie Williams was a teacher for 21 years until his retirement at age 72 in Sir Francis Drake High School in San Anselmo.

Archie Williams was noted for his love for teaching and helping students, including future author Konrad Dryden.

Archie Williams was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.