Forrest Custer Smithson (September 26, 1884 – November 25, 1962) was an American athlete, winner of 110 m hurdles at the 1908 Summer Olympics.

At London, the main favourites were Smithson's teammates John Garrels and Arthur Shaw, who had earlier equaled Alvin Kraenzlein's world record of 15.2 seconds.

The 110 m hurdles were not contested on a track as usual but on a special path in the stadium grass.

There is a widespread story about Smithson winning the gold medal while carrying a Bible in his left hand (ostensibly to protest against the decision to run the 110 m hurdles final on a Sunday).

The fact was that Forrest Smithson was a strong Christian and often ran with a Bible in his hand to point people to the source of his strength and inspiration; his relationship with Jesus Christ.