Josh Smith

After finishing as runner-up to Alfred Shrubb, by half a lap, in the AAA 4-miles in 1904, Joshua Smith won the title the following year, as a member of Salford Harriers, in 21:08.8, the second slowest time in the 51 years that the race was contested. Shrubb’s defeat was the biggest surprise of the Championships, as he had won the title the previous four years. He led for six laps before being overtaken by Smith. Shrubb then fell after two miles, and retired. A few weeks after the AAAs, Smith and Shrubb were scheduled to take part in a challenge match at Birchfield Harriers, but Smith pulled out because of business commitments. Smith was placed fourth in the 1906 AAA 4-miles, before later turning to shorter distances, with a preference for the mile and consequently was selected for the 1,500 metres at the 1908 Olympics. However, being in a heat containing two strong Americans, James Sullivan and Jim Lightbody, Smith failed to qualify after finishing fifth,

Personal Bests: 1500 – 4:05.4 (1908); 2 miles – 9:41.6 (1906); 3 miles – 15:23.4 (1905); 4 miles – 21:08.8 (1905).