Over a six-year span, which started while he was still a student at Oklahoma State, John Smith was the best wrestler in the world. He now ranks alongside other Distinguished Members whose names emerge in any discussion of "the greatest American wrestler ever."

Although that distinction is arguable, Smith's career record is not. Partly because of opportunity, but primarily because of skill, it is beyond comparison. From 1986 through 1992, Smith won:

*   Two Olympic gold medals. He was the first American to do so in 80 years, and both of his golds came against the world's best.
*   Four World titles. No other American has won more than three.
*   Six consecutive world-class championships. No other American has won more than two in a row.
*   Two gold medals in the Pan American Games, in two attempts.
*   Two gold medals in the Goodwill Games, in two attempts.
*   Five national Freestyle championships, in five attempts.
*   Two NCAA crowns and 90 consecutive collegiate victories.

He became the first wrestler to be voted the James E. Sullivan Award as America's outstanding athlete, the first American to be chosen Master of Technique and Wrestler of the Year by the International Wrestling Federation (FILA), and the first wrestler ever nominated for the World Trophy, which he received in 1992.

Smith's international record was 100-5, and his domestic freestyle record was 77-3. Combined with his collegiate totals of 154-7-2 and his high school marks of 105-5, he competed 458 times for his school, club, or country and won 436 times, for a success rate above 95 percent.

Smith retired from competition after the Olympics in Barcelona and two years later coached Oklahoma State to the NCAA team title.

One of the greatest athletes of the 20th Century, John William Smith is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.