William Smith (1977) | Hall of Fame Inductees

William Smith

Induction:
1977

Swimming 1943, 1947-49

Four-time All-American Bill Smith set seven world records and won 14 National Championships, including seven NCAA, six NAAU indoor and one NAAU outdoor. He also captured two Gold Medals at the 1948 Olympic Games in the 400 freestyle and 800 freestyle relay. The three-time Big Ten Champion was undefeated in fours years of duel meet competition. Smith held all the world records between the 200 and 1000-meter freestyle and was considered one of the greatest competitors in the first half of the 20th Century.