Sensational Smyth storms to Euro gold

Jason Smyth continued his dominance at Paralympic level by powering to victory in the T12 100m in 10.78 seconds at the IPC European Championships in Swansea yesterday.

The Derry sprinter was competing in the T12 division for the first time after being reclassified from his T13 category before the championships due to the deterioration of his eyesight condition, Stargardt’s Disease.

“I’m delighted to secure the medal for Ireland,” said Smyth after his latest victory.

“I felt like I executed my race well and am looking forward to the 200m.”

The head of Paralympics athletics, James Nolan, was equally impressed by Smyth’s commanding victory.

“10.78 seconds into a -0.8 head wind is a very good run,” said Nolan who has played an important role in upping the standards of Irish athletes in the Paralympics. Smyth’s time would have seen him comfortably win the 100m at the national championships earlier this summer.

Heather Jameson was competing in the women’s 100m T37 final yesterday and she finished 8th, in a time of 15.64 seconds. She recorded a faster 15.44 seconds to qualify from the semi-finals and the 17-year-old has a bright future ahead of her.

MichaelMcKillop will compete in the 800m today and will be hoping to add Ireland’s second gold of these championships.

If successful today, McKillop, who suffers from cerebral palsy, will be looking to make it double gold in the 1500m on Saturday.

Jason Smyth meanwhile takes to the track again tomorrow in the 200m and he will be heavy favourite to complete the sprint double.

Wexford’s Orla Barry will also look to add to the medal tally when she competes in the discus.