Lionel Smith (athlete)
New Zealand hurdler
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lionel Robert Hill-Smith (né Smith; 18 March 1929 – 14 May 2025) was a New Zealand hurdler, who represented his country at the 1950 British Empire Games.
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18 March 1929
Smith in 1950 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | Lionel Robert Smith 18 March 1929 |
| Died | 14 May 2025 (aged 96) Tauranga, New Zealand |
| Occupation | Sales manager |
| Spouse | Barbara Anne Smith |
| Relative | Kirsten Hellier (daughter) |
| Sport | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Sport | Track and field |
| Achievements and titles | |
National finals |
|
Biography
Smith was educated at Hutt Valley High School in the 1940s, where he played in the school's 1st XV rugby union team at centre, alongside Ron Jarden.[1][2]
Smith won the New Zealand national 120 yards hurdles title in 1949.[3] He also won the national 220 yards hurdles championship in 1949 and 1950.[4] At the 1950 British Empire Games in Auckland, he finished third in the second heat of the 120 yards hurdles.[5] In the final, he placed sixth.[6]
Hill-Smith's daughter is the New Zealand athlete and coach Kirsten Hellier.[7] He died in Tauranga on 14 May 2025, at the age of 96.[4]
