Kankakee native and former Kankakee High School standout Lorenzo Smith III was inducted into the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

A graduate of Kankakee School District 111 and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Lorenzo excelled as a world-class athlete before earning a place on Team USA's 2006 Olympic Bobsled Team. As a push athlete, he helped represent the United States on the world's biggest stage after capturing a 2005 National Championship and establishing himself as one of the nation's elite competitors.

Beyond athletics, Lorenzo has dedicated his life to service and leadership. A former U.S. Army officer, he continued his pursuit of excellence in the business world, earning an MBA from Columbia Business School and becoming a leader with J.P. Morgan Private Bank. His commitment to giving back extends into education and philanthropy, where he serves as Chairman of the Success Academy Charter Schools NYC Board and as a trustee for the Charles Hayden Foundation.

When asked what he hopes future athletes take from his journey, Lorenzo shared, "Sports are ultimately a platform for something much larger than personal accolades." He hopes young athletes understand that relentless determination, humility, and a commitment to helping others can create a legacy far greater than any individual achievement.