OSU’s John Smith named finalist for US Olympic Hall of Fame, online fan votes can help

May 04, 2022 at 5:33 pm CDT

Oklahoma State wrestling head coach John Smith is one of 15 finalists for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame.

Smith won Olympic freestyle wrestling gold medals in 1988 and 1992. He’s one of just three wrestlers from the United States to win two Olympic gold medals, joined by George Mehnert (1904, 1908) and Bruce Baumgartner (1984, 1992).

Fans can vote through May 16 to help determine the Class of 2022. Five of the 15 finalists will be inducted. The Class of 2022 will be announced on Wednesday, June 1 and inducted on Friday, June 24 during a ceremony at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Vote here for John Smith for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame.

In addition to his two Olympic gold medals, Smith won four World titles -- all in a row. He’s the only U.S. wrestler to win six World and Olympic gold medals in successive years. His amazing streak included 1987 World gold, 1988 Olympic gold, 1989 World gold, 1990 World gold, 1991 World gold, and 1992 Olympic gold.

After winning two gold medals in as many appearances at the Olympic Games, Smith retired from wrestling to move into the head coaching role at Oklahoma State in 1992. Smith has also coached the U.S. Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Team in 2000 and 2012.