John Walton Smith (born August 5, 1950) is a former American athlete, who competed in the sprints events during his career.

[3] He set the record while winning the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships on June 26, 1971 while running for the Southern California Striders.

Contemporary athletes rarely run or are timed officially for the extra 2.34 meters to equal 440 yards.

Smith came as a favorite to the 1972 Summer Olympics, but injured a hamstring in the 400 m final and failed to finish the race.

Smith ran for Fremont High School in Los Angeles, finishing fifth in the 440 at the CIF California State Meet two conecutive seasons, 1967-8.