Dean Smith

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameFinis Dean•Smith
Used nameDean•Smith
Born15 January 1932 in Breckenridge, Texas (USA)
Died24 June 2023 in Breckenridge, Texas (USA)
Measurements180 cm / 72 kg
AffiliationsTexas Athletic Club
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Dean Smith attended the University of Texas where he played football and sprinted on the track team. He placed fourth in the 1952 Olympic 100m prior to winning a gold medal in the relay. Earlier in the season he won his only major championship when he took the AAU 100 metres. After the Olympics he served in the Army and attempted to play in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers, although he never appeared in a regular season game.

Smith later worked for many years as a film stuntman, appearing in over 150 movies, with several acting roles, before retiring to his ranch in Stephens County, Texas. With his Texas background and ability to ride a horse, he appeared mainly in Westerns, including 10 John Wayne movies. In 2006 he was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, and he is also a member of the Stuntman’s Hall of Fame. Smith was named “All American Cowboy” in 1997 and in 1998 received a Golden Boot Award. In 2007 he was given the Silver Spur award for his contributions as a stuntman. His autobiography Cowboy Stuntman: From Olympic Gold to the Silver Screen was published in 2013.

Personal Bests: 100 – 10.3 (1951).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1952 Summer Olympics Athletics USA Dean Smith
100 metres, Men (Olympic) 4
4 × 100 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) United States 1 Gold

Special Notes