Archie Harris (athlete) facts for kids

Archie Haggie Harris Jr. (born July 3, 1918 – died October 29, 1965) was an amazing American athlete. He was famous for setting a world record in the discus throw. He also played football.

Archie grew up in Ocean City, New Jersey. He finished high school there in 1937 at Ocean City High School.

College Sports Star

Archie went to Indiana University. He was a fantastic athlete there.

Discus Champion

Archie won the national discus championship in 1940. This was at the 1940 NCAA Track and Field Championships. He won again in 1941 at the 1941 NCAA Track and Field Championships. In 1941, he even set a new world record! He threw the discus 53.26 meters, which is about 174 feet. That same year, he also became the US champion.

Football Player

Besides track and field, Archie played football for the Indiana Hoosiers football team. He played as an end. He was a key player in 1938, 1939, and 1940. In 1940, he was chosen as a second-team player for the 1940 All-Big Ten Conference football team.

Serving His Country

During World War II, Archie joined the United States Army Air Forces. He became a second lieutenant. He was a brave bomber pilot. He was part of the 332d Fighter Group. This group is famously known as the Tuskegee Airmen. They were a group of African American military pilots and airmen. They fought bravely in the war.

After the war, Archie faced challenges. Even though he was a skilled pilot, he could not find a job as a commercial pilot. This was because of the unfair rules of the time. He then became a physical education teacher. He worked at the YMCA in Harlem, helping young people stay active.

Legacy and Passing

In 2001, Archie Harris was honored for his achievements. He was inducted into the Indiana University Athletics Hall of Fame. This means his name is remembered among the greatest athletes from that university.

Archie Harris passed away on October 29, 1965. He died at a hospital in New York City.