Toronto’s Doug Smith shares great news: He’s the picture of health

Doug says doctor told him he has heart of an 18-year-oldDoug says doctor told him he has heart of an 18-year-old (like shot he posted of himself).

Doug steeples with his peoples.

Doug steeples with his peoples.

Doug “Shaggy” Smith of Ontario – the dreadlocked vegan photographer and steeplechasing M65 meet director of 2020 Toronto worlds — gave his 1,400 Facebook friends a mighty scare on April 6. He wrote: “Not feeling well lately — many of the symptoms of a slow-burn heart attack.” He refused an ambulance but got to the ER. Initial tests were OK, except for high blood pressure. Over the next five weeks, Doug shared updates on various tests, all with his trademark sense of humor. On Thursday, we finally got a chance to exhale. He posted: “Great news from the cardiologist today…. He said I have the heart of an 18-year-old (like the guy in the photo). He said my ‘large’ heart was in great shape and the coronary arteries were ‘pristine.’ Most 66-year-olds have at least some plaque in there. He said if I continue the vegan/running thing that he can’t imagine me getting heart disease the rest of my life.” He reports that a Cardiolite Stress Test showed a rare false-positive that led to further tests. “I guess that’s great news – but it doesn’t explain my symptoms. Oh well, at least there isn’t an imminent heart attack!” We’re thrilled to hear he has many years left directing meets and wearing his crazy-ass Vibram shoes. See you in two years, Doug!

Known for his toe-shaped Vibram shoes, Doug is a legend among meet directors.

Known for his toe-shaped Vibram shoes, Doug is a legend among meet directors.

Contribute to support independent track and field journalism:

About the Author

Ken Stone
Ken has followed track as an athlete, writer and webmaster since the late 1960s, and saw most sessions of track and field at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He also attended the 1988, 1992, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Trials. He worked for 10 newspapers and now reports for Times of San Diego. Write him at TrackCEO@aol.com or kens@timesofandiego.com. Story tips always welcome!

Be the first to comment on "Toronto’s Doug Smith shares great news: He’s the picture of health"

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.


*