Smirnov has published various articles on physical education, sport and Olympic issues.

[1] With 44-years of service in the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Vitali Smirnov is the second-longest serving member in the organization's history.

[2] Smirnov studied at the Academy of Physical Education and Sport, as well as at the University of Social Sciences in Moscow (Russian Federation).

[1] Vitali Smirnov was Executive President of the Organising Committee of the Games of the XXII Olympiad in Moscow in 1980 from 1975 until 1981.

He was a member of the International Relations commission from 2002 to 2015, then in 2002 he was part of the IOC 2000 Reform Follow-Up.