Raymond Charles SMITH

Ray Smith started his walking career in 1947 with the Victorian Race Walking Club, when he was second in the Australian Junior 10 km. He raced until 1972, after which time he became a walking judge. During his career he raced 50 km only four times, his first a DNF in August 1955, but he later was second at the 1955 Victorian 50 km, won the 1956 Australian title and placed sixth at the 1956 Olympic Games in 4-56:08. His winning time of 4-40:25 in the 1956 Australian Championship was an Australian record. His final race was placing 10th in the 10 km at the 1972 World Veterans Meet in Köln, Germany. As a judge, Smith officiated at the Olympic Games (1980, 1988), World Championships (1987), Commonwealth Games (1982, 1986, 1990), Goodwill Games (2001), and at the World Indoors, Junior World Cup, and many national and international events. During his competitive career he trained under legendary coach Percy Cerutty. Smith was a life member of Athletics Australia, Athletics Victoria, Victorian Race Walking Club, and the Coburn Athletic Club.

Personal Best: 50kmW – 4-40:25 (1956).