The Shape I’m In: Jason Smyth

HE may be known as ‘the fastest Paralympian on the planet’, but Jason Smyth is not about to get carried away by the third consecutive gold medal in the 100m sprint he earned in Rio.

“I don’t get too caught up in statements or what people say,” he says. “It’s great for people to recognise the things that I’ve achieved — there’s a lot of hard work that’s obviously gone into it.”

However, mention the loud comparisons to Usain Bolt and he pauses to consider the juxtaposition.

“He’s incredible. He’s pretty much a legend in athletics. To be even put in a sentence, to be compared to someone at the level, is a great honour for me,” he says.

A full-time athlete, he puts his success down to determined, hard work.

“If you want to compete at that top, top level, to be winning medals, you’ve got to be able to put in the work. Over four years, to get to the Paralympic Games, it’s roughly over 5,000 hours of training. Everybody is different but that’s what it has taken me to get there.”

Born in Derry, the 29-year-old is now living in Belfast with his American wife, Elsie, who he met in Utah thanks to an introduction by his uncle.

The couple have a daughter, Evie, who is soon to celebrate her first birthday.

He has 10% vision due to Stargardt’s disease, an inherited form of juvenile macular degeneration.

“You’re missing out on many things. My daughter could be three or four metres across the room from me and I couldn’t even see if she is looking at me.”

* Jason Smyth is an ambassador with Fighting Blindness. He will be appearing at its Retina 2016 conference Public Engagement Day, supported by Novartis, which takes place in Dublin’s Radisson Blu Royal Hotel on Saturday November 12.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

Everyone knows the things you should and shouldn’t eat. For me, it’s being consistent over a long period of time that brings the most success. It’s having everything in moderation really. I couldn’t even tell you what all the superfoods are. I like to keep it very simple.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

Chocolate would definitely be one. My favourite are Mars and Cadbury’s Fruit & Nut.

What would keep you awake at night?

Evie. I don’t need anything else to keep me up, apart from her. In general, I’ve always been able to sleep well. I am really laid back. I feel like I can let things go quiet well.

How do you relax?

Lying on the sofa and watching a movie. I find it’s a nice way for me to switch off and relax. I like to just be at home in my own comforts.

What’s your favourite smell?

I really like the smell of a wood fire burning. Or if you ever go to a restaurant and they are cooking steaks on a wood fire, then I love the smell and the taste of that as well.

What would you like to change?

My ability to not see. My vision is slightly under 10% — it has stabilised and hasn’t changed much over the years. The worst thing in the world is for those who are completely blind.

At least I can have something. But to have nothing? If anyone was to try it, to close their eyes for the day and see how much impact it has.

When is the last time you cried?

I’m not much of a crier. Maybe I’m not very emotional. It’s probably true that I chose to express my emotions in different ways.

What traits do you least like in others?

The one I like the least is dishonesty.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

Not being sympathetic enough with people. It probably is because I’m so focussed on my sport.

Often at times when people are looking for sympathy, it’s about something that’s negative that’s happened.

For me, I’ve never let anything hold me back. Everybody’s got to deal with different things. It’s about how you deal with it and react to it — not letting it overwhelm you

Do you pray?

I do. I’m a Mormon. My faith is a massive part of my life. I think it’s one of the big reasons why I’ve been successful. My wife is a Mormon too.

I’m a firm believer in my talent. It’s something I’ve been blessed with and for me it’s about appreciating it and respecting what I have and trying to do more, something to inspire somebody else.

What would cheer up your day?

When we have good weather. There is something incredible when the sun comes out. There’s a bit of heat and you’re able to relax. You’re just generally happier.