Dominant Smyth grabs second sprint gold

Ireland’s most successful paralympian Jason Smyth secured a second gold medal at the IPC World Championships in Lyon, yesterday.

The 26-year-old achieved the double by adding the T13 100m title to the 200m crown annexed on Sunday, continuing his domination of the Paralympic sprint events.

Just as he did in London last summer, Smyth obliterated the field in a powerful display of confident sprinting. Having missed the 2011 edition of the World Championships through injury, Smyth was in determined mood to reclaim a title he first won in Assen seven years ago.

The Derry sprinter, whose central vision is affected by Stargardts disease, exploded from the blocks and by the 30m mark, the final was effectively over a contest as Smyth moved clear of the opposition.

Thereafter, all that remained in doubt was Smyth’s finishing time and he broke the tape in 10.61, eclipsing the championship record of 10.72 which he set in Wednesday’s penultimate round. South Africa’s Jonathon Ntutu claimed silver.

Smyth’s double success brings his gold medal haul at Olympic and World Championships events to eight.