Career
Originally viewed more as a miler, he made the Olympic final at 800 meters in 1936. At the National Collegiate Athletic Association championships he placed fourth in the mile. As an upcoming talent, he was viewed as one of America"s brightest hopes for the 1936 Summer Olympics.
In 1935 he placed second in the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship mile, losing by inches to Emporia State"s Archie San Romani as both were timed in 4:19.1.
At the 1936 Olympic Trials, however, Williamson opted for the 800 meters. In the final, Williamson and Bush led the way for the first lap.
Early in the second lap, Beetham collided with Marmaduke Hobbs, losing his chances. At almost exactly the same time, Rosenkrantz moved to the front.
He was then passed by Woodruff and Hornbostel.
Williamson closed with a fast sprint. While he failed to catch Woodruff or Hornbostel, he overtook Rosenkrantz at the very end, clinching the third and final Olympic spot in a time of 1:51.4. In the final he finished sixth.