Henri Smets (Wezembeek-Oppem, 1895 - Brussel, 1994) was a Belgian cross country athlete. He was a participant of the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp. When he became the Belgian cross country champion, he was honored by Belgian King Albert I of Belgium.
He had run many races (see below a few of them and the medals)
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Participant of the de VII° 1920 Summer Olympics Antwerp
Belgian Champion Crosscountry (in the army).
First place of the first athletic races organised by the "Cercle des Sports de Bruxelles" (july 1916). Victor of the 1200 m Steeplechase on 23 july 1916 orgnised by R.C.B. (Racing Club de Bruxelles)
In 1917 he participed the Crosscountry "Coupe A.Vignol" (20 km). This was a teamrace organised by the U.A.B. The victory was for his team. Sir A. Vignol was a chief of the Belgian Athletic Liga.
Henri Smets received a medal of his friend "J.C." for his brilliant performance (best time) in the teamrace Crosscountry on 11 march 1917 of the A.B.A.
Second in the crosscountry race "Criterium national" in 1919.
Participation on the 1920 Summer Olympics (see above).
Victor of the "Championship of the Victory" in 1920.
Fifth place in the 1500 meter race organised by the L.B.A. (Belgian Athletic League) in 1921.
Participation at the race of the famous club "Cercle des Sports d'Etterbeek" in 1922. Participation at the famous "Cross du Soir". This time on 22 october 1922. Member of the winning team of the 1600 meter running "Coupe J.P. Voelker" in 1922.
Photo of the crosscountry running club C.S.E. on 7 January 1923. In the photo, he is in second place. Victor of the "Challenge Fluwaert". This was a crosscountry race held by the club R.D.C.B. (or R.C.B.) in 1923.
Victor of the race on 14 august 1927 organised by the Sporting Club Charleroi.
Victor of the "Criterium des Veterans" (6 km cross country) on 28/4/1940. This race was founded in 1917 by the president of the club U.A.B., sir A. Vignol. This was a handicap race; the time is adapted (handicap) according to the runner's age (minimum 32 year).
Victor of the "Criterium National des Veterans" (6 km cross country) on 27 april 1941. Henri's time : 21' 24"" .
Second place of the Crosscountry running "Prix des anciens" (Price of the veterans) of the Cercle Sportif d'Etterbeek in 1944 in Etterbeek. Second place in the 1st "Challenges des Anciens" (veterans) crosscountry on 26 march 1944
Fourth place National Criterium Veterans Cross Country U.A.B. Coupe René Gillion 1945
Op de Club van Etterbeek (Henri Smets met nummer 12)
Fourth place National Criterium Veterans Cross Country U.A.B. Coupe René Gillion 1946
Eight place International Criterium Veterans Cross Country organised (32st) by the U.A.B. Coupe René Gillion 1947
Participant at the Veterancross on 10/01/1948.
Seventh place International Criterium Veterans Cross Country organised by the club U.A.B. Coupe René Gillion 1949
Sixth place in the International Criterium René Gillion Veterans 1950.
Henri Smets was still a participant on many Veterans crosses till 1964.
Sporting Club Charleroi: Athleticclub Charleroi
Cross du Soir: famous cross organised by the journal Le Soir
R.C.B.: Racing Club de Bruxelles: RRCB and RWDM (see Racing Club)
L.B.A.: Ligue Belge de l'Athlétisme (founded on 3 march 1912) : some history more history
C.S.E.: Cercle des Sports d'Etterbeek: with his new name RRCE
U.S.B.: Union des Sports de Bruxelles
U.A.B.: Union Athlétique de Bruxelles