Harold Connolly

Boston’s Harold Connolly, World Record Holder and 1956 Olympic Gold Medalist in the Hammer Throw

Biographies & Profiles, History & Heritage, Irish Boston History

One of Massachusetts’ most notable Olympic champions, Harold Vincent Connolly, died on August 18, 2010 at age 79. His rise to stardom, from a frail and partially paralyzed child to…

One of Massachusetts’ most notable Olympic champions, Harold Vincent Connolly, died on August 18, 2010 at age 79. His rise to stardom, from a frail and partially paralyzed child to an Olympian, has inspired generations of Bostonians and athletes around the world. Born in Somerville on August 1, 1931, Connolly was raised in Boston’s Brighton…

Harold Connolly: Boston Irish Olympian Hammers out a Victory

Biographies & Profiles, Sports

If you saw Harold Connolly as a young boy you might not think he’d stand a chance to become one of the world’s most elite athletes and a legend in…

If you saw Harold Connolly as a young boy you might not think he’d stand a chance to become one of the world’s most elite athletes and a legend in Boston sporting annals. But that’s exactly what Connolly became, overcoming an early physical disability, setting dozens of American and World records, and becoming an inspiration…