In the semi-finals of the 1968 AAU 100m, Jim Hines and Ronnie Ray Smith both ran 9.9 to set a new world record. At the Final Trials, Smith placed fourth in the 100m and ran only in the relay in Mexico, where the U.S. set a world record of 38.2 (38.24). Smith was a graduate of San Jose State in sociology and later competed for the Southern California Striders. He spent his professional career as an employee of the Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department. He is a member of the San Jose State Sports Hall of Fame.
Personal Bests: 100y – 9.3 (1969); 100 – 10.14 (9.9h) (1968); 200 – 20.4 (1968).