Willie Smith

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Non-starter
SexMale
Full nameWillie James•Smith, III
Used nameWillie•Smith
Born28 February 1956 in Rochester, Pennsylvania (USA)
Died7 November 2020 in Sylacauga, Alabama (USA)
Measurements173 cm / 73 kg
AffiliationsKappa Sports Club
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Willie Smith was a 400 metre runner who won a gold medal in the 4x400 relay at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. He won gold medals in the 4x4 at the 1979 and 1981 World Cup. Individually, in the 400, he won a silver medal at the 1977 Universiade, and a bronze medal at the 1979 Pan American Games.

Smith ran in college for Auburn University, after being named Track & Field News male high school athlete of the year in 1974. He was runner-up in the 400 at the 1978 NCAA Meet and won the 440 yd twice at the NCAA Indoor, in 1977-78. Smith won the TAC Meet in the 400 in 1979-80. He later became a television news director. He is a member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the Auburn Tiger Trail.

Personal Best: 400 – 44.73 (1978).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1976 Summer Olympics Athletics USA Willie Smith
4 × 100 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) United States DNS
1984 Summer Olympics Athletics USA Willie Smith
4 × 400 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) United States 1 Gold

Special Notes