MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis University graduate Harrison Williams is the seventh best decathlete in the world after a seventh place finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Saturday.
The Memphian finished the decathlon with 8,538 points, just 258 points off first placed Markus Rooth.
Williams finished day one in eighth spot after a career best 15.66 meter shot put. On day two he kicked things up a gear and found himself in fifth place and just 73 points off of third with only two events remaining - javelin and 1500m.
Williams threw 51.17 meters in the javelin which was tied for worst throw of the day out of the field. That throw pushed Williams into seventh spot.
Despite a third place finish in the 1500m for a season best time of 4:19.58, Williams couldn't close the gap.
"7th at my first Olympics," Williams posted after the meet on Instagram. "Put myself in position to get a medal going into the javelin. But couldn't get it done. Thank you everyone for following/ It truly means so much to have so much support."
The 2014 MUS grad had season best performances in the 100-meter, high jump, discus and as mentioned above also the 1500m and shot put.
Williams finished first among the trio of Americans competing in the decathlon at the Olympics.