Dominic Smith excelled in both football and running as a teenager growing up in Wales, earning a place in Swansea City’s Academy as a pacey and skillful winger while also amassing medals as a cross-country runner. Between 2016 and 2020, he claimed multiple Welsh national junior titles, medalled in several British Cross Challenge events, and secured bronze at the British and Irish Junior Track Championships. His dedication and talent saw him proudly represent Wales on the international stage.
Initially opting to pursue his studies in the UK, Dom secured a place at Loughborough University—widely regarded as the premier academic institution for combining sport and education in Britain. There, he continued competing at a high level in track and cross-country while earning his degree in Sports and Exercise Science. However, the opportunity arose to take his running career to the next level in the United States, competing in the highly competitive NCAA Division I at Tennessee Tech University. Recognizing the immense potential for both his athletic and academic growth, he seized the opportunity with both hands.
Why I Chose to Go to the States
“One of the biggest reasons I chose to study and compete in the U.S. was the incredible facilities available at NCAA universities. The resources were a major step up from what I had access to in Wales, with better technologies being applied to everything from recovery modalities to physiological evaluations.”
“In the UK, such advanced support is typically reserved for elite athletes backed by governing bodies, whereas in the U.S., universities provide an incredibly scientific and structured approach to training. The setup allows athletes to maximize their potential in ways that simply aren’t as accessible back home.”
The Buzz of Being a Student-Athlete
Dom recalls the excitement of competing in high-profile collegiate events, feeding off the electric atmosphere and passionate crowds.
“I had the chance to travel across different states, experiencing the immense energy that these races carry. The crowds were far bigger than what we’d typically see in the UK, and every race had an incredible sense of occasion. The level of competition in the NCAA was also amazing, pushing me to improve and race against some of the best athletes in the country.”
In his first year competing for the Golden Eagles, he raced in all five of the team’s fall events, leading the squad in each one. He secured a top-10 finish at the OVC Championships and clocked a time of of 31:28.74 at the NCAA South Regionals XC championships. In his second season, he placed in the top 15 at the OVC Championships and recorded a season-best 8K time of 24:48.7.
Balancing Athletics and Academics
Dom thrived in an environment that carefully balanced elite-level sport with academic excellence.
“The system is designed for athletes to succeed in both areas. Everything is tailored towards maximizing performance while ensuring academic success. The support network—including coaches, tutors, and athletic trainers—ensures that you can excel in both aspects without one suffering at the expense of the other.”
“You genuinely get the best of both worlds. There’s a huge emphasis on sport, but the resources available ensure you’re just as equipped to perform well academically. That balance is something I really valued.”
Building a Career in Sport: From Competing to Coaching and Science
Alongside his accomplishments on the track, Dom gained invaluable experience through his internship with the Golden Eagles' athletic training department, working closely with the women’s soccer team. This hands-on experience further developed his expertise in sports science and performance analysis, providing a strong foundation for his career after competing.
Upon returning to the UK, Dom earned his MSc in Exercise Science and Physiology and was recognized with two-time All-Conference honours. He applied his expertise as a sports scientist for the Welsh National Swim Team, helping athletes in their Olympic qualification campaigns for Paris 2024, and later as a performance consultant for Swansea University. His current role at First Point USA allows him to mentor the next generation of aspiring student-athletes, sharing his knowledge, insight, and passion for collegiate sport.
His fitness and experience from the NCAA circuit enabled him to qualify for the prestigious European Champion Clubs Cup in Albufeira in 2024, representing Team GB clubs against world championship medallists and Olympic competitors—a testament to how the experience in the U.S. helped elevate his performance to new heights.
Advice for Aspiring Athletes
Reflecting on his journey, Dom encourages others to embrace the opportunity if given the chance.
“I would honestly say it was the time of my life. My experience in the States was absolutely brilliant—I had the opportunity to travel, compete in different environments, and grow both as an athlete and as a person. I’d encourage any athlete with aspirations to take the leap and just go for it!
“It’s an incredible journey for personal, sporting, and academic development. The experience shaped me into a far more independent person and helped me grow socially as well. If you can embrace the challenge and gain those life skills along the way, it can truly set you up for success in the future.”
