Steve Smith

Steve Smith was AAU indoor pole vault champion in 1972-73. Smith was the California State Champion in the pole vault in 1968 and 1969, and started college at Southern Cal, but then transferred to Cal State Long Beach, graduating in 1973. He was runner-up at the TAC Meet in 1981 and sixth in 1982, was also the first vaulter to break the 18-foot barrier indoors. Smith set two world indoor records, both in January 1973. On 20 January 1973 he cleared 5.46 in Los Angeles, and six days later went 5.49 in New York.

In 1973 he was world ranked #1 for the year, after ranking #6 in 1972. Smith was ranked in the US top 10 six times between 1969-82. Smith competed as a professional with the International Track Association from 1974-76 but then applied for reinstatement as an amateur.

In 1983 Smith was involved in a car accident, breaking his ankle, which ended his international vaulting career. He became a real estate agent, although he continued to compete in some masters’ meets, mostly as a sprinter, but occasionally vaulting.

Personal Best: PV – 5.61i (1975).