An African-American wrestler from Alcolu, South Carolina, Hallow Wilson became one of the most important Black wrestling pioneers of the mid-20th Century while also breaking racial barriers in international wrestling.

He had never wrestled until he joined the United States Navy and competed as a heavyweight in the 1940s.

Wilson became the first Black wrestler to win an AAU national title when he won the heavyweight division in Greco-Roman in 1960. He won the heavyweight title again in 1962. Wilson and Rudy Williams became the first African-American wrestlers to compete for the United States in the World Championships in 1962. Both wrestlers placed fifth in Greco-Roman in Toledo, Ohio. Wilson was also a member of the United States Olympic training squad in 1956 and 1960.