Gold for McKillop and Smyth

Paralympians Michael McKillop and Jason Smyth added another two golds to their impressive medal haul on a stunning day of action at the IPC Athletics World Championships at Parilly Stadium, Lyon, yesterday.

The pair, stars of the London 2012 Paralympics, were in sublime form, with McKillop winning the T37 800m final in a world record time of 1:57.19, while Smyth equalled his world record (21.05) in a T13 200m final.

McKillop paid an emotional tribute to his father and coach Paddy after the race: “He’s a phenomenal guy, who I can’t thank enough. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support he and my mother give me.”

And already his focus is turning towards more glory, with the Northern Ireland man adding: “I was delighted to win and look forward to the 1500m.”

Smyth was delighted to regain the title he last won in 2006 after missing out on the 2011 world championships due to injury. “It’s always nice to get records but at the end of the day I’m here to try and win medals so I’m delighted to have achieved that. I’m looking forward to the 100m now and am confident I can deliver another top performance.”

Earlier in the day, Catherine O’Neill finished 5th in the F51-53 discus final, Orla Barry from Cork was 8th in the F55-57 shot putt final while Heather Jameson ran a season’s best in the T37 200m semi-final.

Dunmanway’s John McCarthy contests the T51 100m wheelchair final at 5:27pm today.