About Lionel Smith
Lived 1929 – 2025 (aged 96). Lionel Smith was a New Zealand athlete.
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.
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.
Smith won the New Zealand national 120 yards hurdles title in 1949. He also won the national 220 yards hurdles championship in 1949 and 1950. In the final, he placed sixth.
Hill-Smith's daughter is the New Zealand athlete and coach Kirsten Hellier. He died in Tauranga on 14 May 2025, at the age of 96.
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Important facts
People in Lionel Smith's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Lionel Smith?
New Zealand hurdler
When was Lionel Smith born?
Lionel Smith was born on 18 March 1929.
When did Lionel Smith die?
Lionel Smith died on 14 May 2025 in Tauranga.
What was Lionel Smith's occupation?
Lionel Smith was an athlete.
What nationality was Lionel Smith?
Lionel Smith was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Lionel Smith (athlete)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Lionel Smith. https://biography.guide/lionel-smith/
MLA: "Lionel Smith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/lionel-smith/.
Chicago: "Lionel Smith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/lionel-smith/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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