Ronnie Ray Smith, American sprinter (d. 2013)

Ronald Ray Smith, often known affectionately as Ronnie Ray Smith, was an esteemed American athlete whose name is etched in the annals of track and field history, most notably for his gold medal-winning performance at the 1968 Summer Olympics. Born on March 28, 1949, Smith's journey from a promising high school sprinter to an Olympic champion and world record holder left an indelible mark before his passing on March 31, 2013, at the age of 64.

From Los Angeles to "Speed City": Early Career and Collegiate Dominance

Smith's athletic prowess was evident early in his life, particularly during his time at Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles. In 1966, he showcased his potential by securing a third-place finish in the 220-yard dash at the prestigious CIF California State Meet, a significant achievement for a young runner. His talent soon led him to San Jose State College, a hub of track and field excellence famously known as "Speed City." Under the tutelage of legendary coach Lloyd (Bud) Winter, Smith thrived, honing his speed and technique among a cohort of elite sprinters. He pursued his academic interests concurrently, eventually graduating with a degree in sociology, balancing athletic ambition with intellectual growth during this pivotal era for American track and field.

The "Night of Speed": A Historic Evening in Track and Field

One of the most iconic moments in Ronald Ray Smith's career, and indeed in the history of sprinting, unfolded on June 20, 1968, at the AAU Championships held at Hughes Stadium in Sacramento, California. This extraordinary evening has been famously dubbed by track and field historians as the "Night of Speed." During the semifinals of the 100-meter dash, Ronnie Ray Smith achieved an astounding feat: he equaled the world record for the 100 meters, clocking an incredible 9.9 seconds. What made this moment truly historic was that he wasn't alone; Jim Hines achieved the same time in the very same race, and Charles Greene matched it in another semifinal of the same competition. For Smith, who was still only 19 years old at the time, this mark also established a new World Junior Record, a testament to his prodigious talent that would stand unchallenged for exactly eight years.

Olympic Gold and a New World Record in Mexico City

Building on his sensational performance at the AAU Championships, Ronald Ray Smith arrived at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics poised for greatness. Although the 100m individual race saw other competitors emerge victorious, Smith's crucial contribution came as part of the formidable American 4 × 100 m relay team. He ran the third leg of this powerful quartet, showcasing his explosive speed and seamless baton exchange. Together, Smith and his teammates delivered a masterful performance, crossing the finish line in a blistering 38.24 seconds. This not only secured them the coveted Olympic gold medal but also set a brand new world record, cementing their place in Olympic lore and highlighting Smith's invaluable role in achieving such a monumental victory.

Beyond the Track: Post-Competition Life and Legacy

After retiring from the intense world of competitive track and field, Ronnie Ray Smith transitioned into a career dedicated to public service. He found purpose working at the Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department, contributing to his community in a different, yet equally meaningful, capacity. His exceptional athletic achievements were not forgotten, and in recognition of his significant contributions to sports, he was proudly inducted into the San Jose State Sports Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to his "Speed City" era dominance and Olympic success.

A Unique and Memorable Farewell

Ronald Ray Smith passed away in a hospice facility in Los Angeles, California, on March 31, 2013, just days after his 64th birthday. His funeral, however, was far from conventional and garnered national attention when it was featured on the TLC reality T.V. show "Best Funeral Ever." In a poignant and incredibly unique tribute to his legendary 1968 gold medal performance, Smith's casket was designed to "run" a 100-yard race, complete with a finish line and a ceremonial presentation of a gold medal in a mock Olympic-style funeral. This remarkable send-off beautifully encapsulated his life's most defining moment, celebrating his legacy as an Olympic champion even in his final farewell.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ronald Ray Smith

Who was Ronald Ray Smith?
Ronald Ray Smith, also known as Ronnie Ray Smith, was an American track and field athlete and an Olympic gold medalist. He is best remembered for winning the 4 × 100 m relay at the 1968 Summer Olympics and for equaling the 100m world record in 1968.
What was Ronald Ray Smith's main athletic achievement?
His primary achievement was winning the gold medal in the 4 × 100 m relay at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where he and his teammates also set a new world record of 38.24 seconds.
What was the "Night of Speed"?
The "Night of Speed" refers to June 20, 1968, at the AAU Championships in Sacramento, California. On this historic evening, Ronald Ray Smith, Jim Hines, and Charles Greene all equaled the 100m world record of 9.9 seconds in their respective semifinals.
Where did Ronald Ray Smith go to college?
He attended San Jose State College, renowned during his time as "Speed City" for its exceptional track and field program under coach Lloyd (Bud) Winter.
Did Ronald Ray Smith set any individual world records?
Yes, he equaled the 100m world record with a time of 9.9 seconds at the 1968 AAU Championships. As he was 19 at the time, this also became a World Junior Record, which stood for eight years.
How did Ronald Ray Smith's funeral honor his legacy?
His funeral, featured on "Best Funeral Ever," included a unique mock Olympic-style ceremony where his casket "ran" a 100-yard race and received a gold medal, symbolizing his 1968 Olympic victory.