Olympics: HBCU has ties to two going for gold in hurdle events

The Paris Olympics rolls on into its final days and one HBCU has multiple ties to athletes competing.

Danielle Williams, Johnson C. Smith University alumna, cruised nicely to victory in the fourth heat of the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, clocking 12.59 inside Stade de France.

Williams, has advanced to the semifinals which will take place on Friday, Aug. 9, at 6:05 a.m. The race will be shown on all NBC networks.

Danielle Williams’ career at Johnson C. Smith University was nothing short of extraordinary. She amassed nine NCAA titles and dominated the CIAA with 13 championships, establishing herself as one of the most decorated athletes in the university’s history. Her collegiate success set the stage for her professional career, where she continued to excel on the international stage. Williams’ breakthrough came in 2015 at the World Championships in Beijing, where she won the gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles with an impressive time of 12.57 seconds, showcasing her talent to a global audience.

Beyond her victory in Beijing, Williams has remained a significant force in track and field, representing Jamaica in multiple World Championships and Olympic Games. Her achievements earned her a prestigious induction into the USTFCCCA NCAA Division II Track & Field Athlete Hall of Fame in 2020. Williams’ journey from collegiate star to international champion highlights her dedication, skill, and enduring impact on the sport. Her legacy continues to inspire both current athletes and future generations in track and field.

In addition to Williams, the Charlotte-based HBCU also has a tie to American sprinter Anna Cockrell. Cockrell won silver in the 400m. She is the daughter of Kieth Cockrell , the vice chair of the board of trustees for HBCU Johnson C. Smith University. Her track coach at Providence High School in Charlotte was Carol Lawrence, who is currently in charge of the track program at Johnson C. Smith.

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