Tracy Smith

Distance runner; member, 1968 U.S. Olympic team, 10,000 meters; world-record holder, 3-mile; 6-time AAU national champion; 1963 CIF state champion, mile

What is Tracy Smith known for?

Tracy Evans Smith, born on March 15, 1945, in Altadena, California, is a distinguished American distance runner and an alumnus of Arcadia High School. During his career, Smith achieved remarkable feats, which included being a six-time Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Champion, three-time world record holder for the indoor 3-mile, and a member of the 1968 U.S. Olympic Team for Track and Field where he competed in the 10,000 meters.

Smith's journey as a runner began impressively at Arcadia High School, where he was a champion miler, winning the California State Meet in 1963. He also stood out as the nation's fastest prep two-miler that same year, beating notable competitors like Jim Ryun. After high school, Smith attended Oregon State University, where he continued his running career, notably finishing sixth in the 3-mile at the 1965 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. He later earned his degree from Long Beach State University in 1973.

In 1966, Smith made an international splash, becoming the first American to medal in the International Cross Country Championships in Rabat, Morocco, where he secured a Bronze medal. He held the No. 1 U.S. ranking for 10,000 meters in 1966 and 1968, and for 5,000 meters in 1969, according to Track & Field News. He was the AAU Indoor Champion in 1966, 1967, and 1973 while also securing the AAU Outdoor Champion title in 1966 and 1968. Smith also set multiple world records, including an impressive 13:07.2 in the 3-mile indoor race in 1973.

His career extended to coaching after academic completion at Long Beach State University, where Tracy Smith coached the men’s cross-country team. Tracy's achievements, expertise, and outstanding contributions in the field of athletics remain an inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide.

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