Golden double for Smyth
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Jason Smyth celebrates his second gold medal of the Paralympic games after setting a new 200M world record.
EGLINTON sprinter Jason Smyth has re-written the Paralympic record books with a sensational double Gold medal haul in the 100 and 200 metres respectively.
And just to add the proverbial cherry on top of this particular cake, the 21 year old smashed both of his own world records to claim his medals.
The visually impaired athlete, amazed crowds of over 90,000 as he knocked .04 seconds off his record of 10.81 seconds in the 100 metre heats on Saturday before storming to a comprehensive victory, clocking 10.62 seconds in the T13 100 metres final, making the young Eglinton man the first person to bring back a Paralympic gold to Ireland in eight years.
Then on Monday the Derry man smashed the 200m record in the heats before going on to raise the bar again when he took gold in the T13 200m final on Tuesday. With a time of 21.43 seconds, Smyth took 0.38 seconds of the record he set the day before, effectively setting four world records in four races.
Amazingly Smyth revealed that he went into Tuesday's final carrying a what he described as a 'hamstring niggle'.
“I was wondering what was going to happen but I had to put it to the back of my mind and attack the bend," Smyth said.
“I'm delighted that it went to plan.
“Going round the lap of honour, it was hard. I had to stop and walk (because of the hamstring injury).
“But with the support here and it's great that my family are out here. My mum and dad, my brother and my best friend Ben.
“Going out and doing what was expected is a big relief"
Jason's sister, Lisa Smyth, told the Northern Constitution that through all the glitz and glamour of picking up two gold medals and breaking world records, all that mattered to her was that her brother enjoyed himself.
“It's a pretty exciting time for all the family, as well as Jason but as long as he's happy and doing the best he can well that's all that matters," says Lisa.
“It's strange to see your brother on TV and the nerves start to kick in when you see it all unfold because you just want him to do well.
“But he is very passionate about what he does and we always had faith in him that he would do amazingly well."
Speaking to the world's media after picking up his first gold, the County Derry athlete spoke of how he pushed winning to the back of his mind during the race.
“ I knew it was there," he said. "It was just a matter of coming out and doing it on the big occasion, and I'm so pleased I did.
“I'm thrilled. It's awesome. I've put in so much work. You know you are expected to win but you don't really want to think about it or talk about it."
Jason even revealed that he was not aware that he had clocked another world record until completing his lap of honour.
“I only realised when I came back here when I saw the screen," said the sprinter. "You're in a stadium with 91,000 so you've got to make the most of it and I did.
“The people here come out in force. They get into it and there's a good atmosphere."
Two of Jason's sisters are current pupils at Limavady Grammar School where pupils, teachers and staff have been "absolutely delighted" with the young man's achievements. Speaking on Monday as the Paralympic star prepared to take home his "double gold", principal Dr Sam McGuinness called the former pupil "an inspiration".
“The entire school including pupils, teachers and staff, are so proud of Jason and how well he has done in the 2008 Paralympics.
“He really is an inspiration to young people. For a young man like Jason to overcome difficulties and get as far as he has is just amazing. He put a focus to his life, worked hard and has become an athletic star."
Team Ireland have now amassed five medals at the game after Gay Shelly's bronze in the boccia, Darragh McDonald's silver in the 400-metre freestyle (S6) at the Water Cube, and Smyth's room-mate Michael McKillop's 800-metre gold. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Derry City Council said officers would be speaking with Jason and his family when they return. The spokesperson told The Northern Constitution: "The Mayor would be delighted to invite Jason and his family to a reception in the Guildhall to mark his achievements and said Jason was an excellent sporting ambassador for the city".
The Mayor of Derry, Councillor Gerard Diver, " He has done us proud and we are delighted at his success," the Mayor commented.
Chairman of the Limavady Sports Council, Jack Rankin watched the race live and praised the young athlete on his outstanding performance.
“I would just like to extend my best wishes out to Jason and congratulate him on his achievement. His performance was out of this world and it was clear none of the other competitors could touch him as he crossed the finishing line."
“I have no doubt in my mind that this young man could compete in the ordinary Olympics and do as well as he has done in the last week. It's especially nice to see someone from Limavady Grammar School, as well as the county, bring home not one but two gold medals. We can't wait to get Jason home and congratulate him in person."
