Yesterday wrapped up the Paris 2024 Olympics. The city of lights once again became a stage for high-stakes competition and the relentless pursuit of excellence by athletes from around the world. Paris is the only other city, along with Los Angeles and London, that has hosted the Summer Olympics three times (in 1900, 1924, and 2024).

Every athlete who reaches the level of Olympic status has their own story of perseverance, determination, and resilience. Amid these stories is that of William DeHart Hubbard, who was the first black athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in an individual event. This was accomplished by William DeHart Hubbard at the Paris Olympics in 1924.

In honor of his legacy and the games that made history, I spoke with his great-granddaughter, Maahra Hill. Maahra Hill is a successful and versatile actress who currently stars on NBC’s “The Irrational” as Marisa.

During my interview with her, she shed light on her great-grandfather’s journey and his legacy of black excellence that connects the past to the present.

“He chose the long jump because that’s where he showed the most consistency,” shared Maahra. She also clarified that the US viewed him as their best chance to win gold going into the Olympics, allowing them to concentrate on a single category.

“I think what’s most inspirational to me is that he did it, did it under such oppressive circumstances,” expressed Maahra with immense pride in William’s accomplishment. William’s triumph was more than just a personal achievement; it was a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. He competed in what was essentially the Jim Crow era. One can only imagine the many obstacles William faced.

William wasn’t new to facing these types of challenges. “He participated in his high school football team. The opposing team refused to play against them if he stayed on the field,” shared Hill. Fortunately, his team didn’t share those sentiments and chose not to play the opposing team. 

Maahra continued to reflect on its centennial, drawing inspiration from her great-grandfather’s historic win. William’s unwavering self-belief shone through at every competition. “At AAU meets, at NCAA meets, he was always saying, ‘This is what I’m going to do.’ They told him, ‘Oh, well, you know, this other competitor jumped almost 25 feet today,’ and he’d respond, ‘Oh, well, he’s going to have to do better than that,’” Maahra shared intimately. “The way he held himself in high regard, the way he set his sights on something and wouldn’t stop until he got it—that’s what truly inspires me.”

Hubbard’s ambition extended beyond winning a gold medal. “He wanted to win the world record. Hill explained that he had his sights set on the world record at the same time he won the gold. “The night before his event, he found out that someone in the decathlon had beaten that world record, and his spirits tanked a bit because that was primarily his goal. But after he won the gold in 1924, he went back in 1925 and achieved that world record.”

“Because of the circumstances under which he was able to achieve such heights, I want people to understand that optimism, confidence, and intentional focus are key. He always decided with discernment what to focus on and what not to focus on,” expressed Hill.

When asked what she hoped people would take away from her great-grandfather’s story, Maahra stated, “I think ultimately that we are limitless and that there’s nothing you can’t do.”