Dean Smith, a renowned figure, was born and raised in Eliasville, Texas, before relocating to Breckenridge, Texas, where he cultivated his passion for horses and longhorn cattle. His academic pursuits led him to the University of Texas at Austin, where he excelled in track and football, showcasing his exceptional athletic abilities.
Smith's remarkable athletic career was marked by several notable achievements. He won an Olympic gold medal in the 400-meter relay at the 1952 Helsinki games and finished fourth in the 100-meter dash, securing his place in the history books. Additionally, he was the lead-off man on the University of Texas world record relay team from 1954-55 and an AAU national champion in the 100-meter dash.
Before transitioning to the entertainment industry, Smith played exhibition football with the Los Angeles Rams and was later traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, he decided to pursue a career in the movie business instead.
Smith's rodeo accomplishments are equally impressive, as he won amateur championships in bareback bronco riding and calf roping. His impressive rodeo resume earned him an honorary membership in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and induction into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame (2006),the Texas Sports Hall of Fame (1985),Stuntman's Hall of Fame (1980),and the University of Texas Hall of Fame (1980).
Throughout his illustrious career, Smith received numerous awards and accolades, including the American Culture Award for Western Movies and Television (2000),the Golden Boot Award in 1998, the Ben Johnson Award in 1993, the All-American Cowboy Award in 1997, and the Head of the Class Alvin Davis Award in 2002.
In 2002, Smith organized several celebrity rodeos, benefiting various charitable causes, including the Cowboy Cancer Crusade tribute to Ben Johnson, the John Wayne Cancer Institute honoring John Wayne, and the John Wayne Cancer Institute honoring The Singing Cowboys in Abilene, Texas. The John Wayne Cancer Institute honored him with the "Duke Award" on April 8, 2006, for his significant contributions to cancer research.
Sadly, Dean Smith passed away in 2023 at the age of 91 due to cancer complications, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.