William ‘Bill’ Porter, the 1948 Olympic gold medallist in the 110m hurdles, died on March 10, at Hoag Hospital in Irvine, California. He was 73.
At the 1948 Olympics in London, Porter led a US sweep in the high hurdles with the best performance of his career. Porter crossed the finish line in the Olympic record time of 13.9, just edging out his American teammates Clyde Scott and Craig Dixon.
Scott, who was awarded the silver medal, and Dixon, who captured bronze, both stopped the clock in 14.1.
William Franklin Porter II, was born in Jackson, Michigan, on March 24, 1926. Following graduation from the Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Porter enrolled at Western Michigan University. He later transferred to Northwestern where he graduated in 1947 with a degree in Business Education.
Mr. Porter was employed for many years by American Hospital Supply in Kenilworth, Illinois. He served the company in a variety of positions before becoming Executive Vice-President. During his career, Porter attended classes in Advanced Management programs at Northwestern University’s Graduate School, and at the Harvard University Graduate School.
Porter married his second wife, Nancy Boyle, in Irvine, California, in 1993,, where he resided until his death. He is survived by his wife Nancy, two daughters, two sons, seven granddaughters, two setchildren, one nephew and one niece.
