John Smith (1987) - Hall of Fame

John Smith

Induction:
1987

John Smith, once one of the top sprinters in UCLA history, now is regarded as one of the top sprint and hurdles coaches in the world. A six-time NCAA champion who helped the Bruins win national team titles in 1971 and 1972, Smith set the world record in the 440-yard dash in an AAU meet in 1971. He won two gold medals at the Pan American Games that year and was the number-one-ranked quarter-miler in the world. He was a member of the 1972 U.S. Olympic Team in Munich, and remained an active competitor until 1980. In 1985, he returned to UCLA as an assistant coach. Between his duties with the Bruins and his HSI Sprint Club, Smith has coached numerous NCAA champions and Olympians. In 1999, he was named the USA track and field coach of the year.