The world of sports photography has lost one of its most gifted chroniclers with the passing of Chris Smith, whose lens captured the raw drama and deep emotion of athletic competition over four decades. His remarkable body of work, spanning from the 1960s through the 1990s, includes unforgettable images of some of the most larger-than-life characters of the 20th century: Muhammad Ali, Paul Gascoigne, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Aretha Franklin, Seve Ballesteros, and Daley Thompson.
A career defined by iconic moments
Smith's photographs are more than mere records of sporting events; they are studies in human emotion, freezing moments of triumph, despair, and sheer determination. One of his most poignant images is that of Irish boxer Barry McGuigan with his trainer during his world featherweight fight against Steve Cruz in Las Vegas on 23 June 1986. McGuigan later called the photograph 'the picture of me with the dead eyes.' After the fight, McGuigan ended up in hospital with heat exhaustion and dehydration, a testament to the brutal physical toll of the sport.
Smith's work also captured the intensity of Olympic competition. At the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow on 25 July, he made the courageous decision to position himself alongside the start line rather than at the finish to capture Allan Wells of Great Britain taking off from the starting block en route to winning the men's 100m. This innovative approach resulted in a photograph that conveys the explosive power of the sprinter's start.
Beyond the lens: Smith's unique perspective
Smith had an uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time, often capturing moments that others missed. In July 1985, he photographed Seve Ballesteros during the British Open golf championship at Royal St George's in Sandwich. The Spanish golfer was having a disappointing round and later said the photograph depicted 'how I felt. It makes me remember.' This image transcended sports photography, offering a glimpse into the golfer's inner turmoil.
Perhaps his most beloved photograph was taken on 30 May 1984 during the European Cup final between Roma and Liverpool at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Smith had never seen Italian Ultras before, and when he witnessed their flares, smoke grenades, and fireworks, he jumped into the crowd to capture an image that is as much a dramatic news picture as a compelling sports picture. He later said this was his favourite photograph, a testament to his appreciation for the spectacle and passion of sports fans.
A legacy of unforgettable images
Smith's portfolio includes a stunning array of images that have become part of sports history. In February 1964, he captured Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, taking on the Beatles in Miami Beach during the build-up to the title fight against Sonny Liston. The Beatles had walked unannounced into the famous 5th Street Gym, and Smith was there to capture the five most famous faces on the planet in one frame.
He also photographed John McEnroe wiping his forehead during the men's singles final against Bjorn Borg at Wimbledon on 5 July 1980. Borg won in five sets after McEnroe had saved seven championship points during a match regarded as one of the greatest ever played. Smith's image captures the tension and fatigue of that epic encounter.
Beyond sports: A versatile eye
Smith's talent extended beyond the sporting arena. His work regularly appeared in the Observer's magazine, where he contributed to features such as Quest for Fulfilment. One notable photograph from this series shows Margaret Thatcher cleaning a car, a surprising and humanising image of the then-leader. He also captured a portrait of the artist David Hockney for the same feature, demonstrating his versatility as a photographer.
His celebrity portraits include Aretha Franklin at the Revolution Club in Bruton Place, London, on 10 May 1968, and Sir Garfield Sobers, the West Indian cricketer, in Eastbourne on 30 April 1969. Smith also documented the 1972 transatlantic yacht race, photographing Jean-Yves Terlain and Vendredi 13 near Newport in Rhode Island at the end of the race in July 1972.
A master of the decisive moment
Smith's sports photography is marked by his ability to seize the decisive moment. In the 1986 WBA heavyweight title fight at Wembley Stadium on 19 July, he captured Frank Bruno being hit by Tim Witherspoon of the US. Witherspoon stopped the British fighter in the 11th round to retain the title, and Smith's image freezes the impact of the punch.
He also photographed Stoke City goalkeeper Gordon Banks punching clear from Alan Gilzean of Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on 19 February 1972, a moment of athletic agility and determination. At the Los Angeles Olympics in August 1984, Smith captured athletes clearing the water jump during the men's 3000m steeplechase at the Memorial Coliseum, and Great Britain's Daley Thompson competing in the long jump on the first day of the decathlon on 8 August 1984. Thompson went on to take gold with a world-record-setting 8,847 points.
Remembering a legend
Smith's work also includes Martina Navratilova of the US celebrating after defeating Hana Mandlíková of Czechoslovakia in the final of the women's singles at Wimbledon on 5 July 1986, and Paul Gascoigne being consoled by Chris Waddle after England's defeat by West Germany in the World Cup semi-final in Turin on 4 July 1990. These images have become iconic, representing the emotional highs and lows of sport.
Chris Smith's legacy is one of capturing the human spirit in moments of extreme physical and emotional exertion. His photographs continue to resonate, offering a window into the past and the timeless drama of sport. His work will be remembered for generations to come, a testament to his skill, courage, and artistic vision.
