Updated at 20.44
JASON SMYTH HAS won another gold medal for Ireland at the Paralympics this evening, setting a new world record in the 200m Final in the process.
The athlete won with a time of 21.05, easing to victory at the Olympic Stadium.
Smyth finished comfortably ahead of Russians Alexey Labzin (21.95) and Artem Loginov (22.03), who took silver and bronze respectively.
Speaking to Setanta after his victory, Smyth said: “It’s great for me. I can never forget all the people that got me here.”
And despite claiming two gold medals, Smyth still believes there is “room for improvement” in his performance.
“I haven’t developed as much as I need to reach my potential,” he said. “I still believe there’s more to come.”
Smyth described how it had been “a pleasure” to represent Ireland, and added: “Hopefully this will bring the Paralympics forward.”
In addition, the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, was one of the many congratulating Smyth, in addition to Mark Rohan and Catherine O’Neill, for their achievements today.
He said: “I would like to extend the congratulations of the whole country to Mark, Jason and Catherine on their fantastic achievements
at the London 2012 Paralympics today.“Winning a medal at any major championships is a tremendous achievement but to win at the highest stage of them all proves an athlete to be one of the best in the world not just physically, but mentally too. To win two gold medals at the one games is an unbelievable accomplishment and it shows that Mark and Jason are two of the leading athletes in the world.”
It is Smyth’s second gold at these Games and fourth in total, as he won the same two medals (100m and 200m) four years ago at the Beijing Games.
Smyth’s win means Team Ireland have now claimed eight golds and 16 medals in total at the London Paralympics.
Well done kid. The Irish bolt!!
Unbelievable,just saw it on C4,what a sportsman,forget those soccer morons,this is a real role model
Sssssoccer!
Fair play. With all the drugs and cheating and diving in sport you have to give these athletes credit. Seems to have been great crowds there as well. It is paying for itself and looks like its profile will increase further.
O’Bolt…….. Legend
just wow..watched it on ch4 ..amazing…move over Mr bolt.
massive respect. what a hero.
Brilliant, fair play to him…
RTE should be ashamed we had to watch it on C4.
RTE did bid for the Paralympics but they were outbid by Setanta
Was there not a law about sports of national import not being able to be exclusive to a non terrestrial channel?
Congratulations Jason well done and well done to all our papalympians Is that the right word . Anyway you done us proud well done to all concerned .
What a fantastic performance!!
I have to say these paralympic athletes have done better job than the Olympic athletes.Fair play to them. GO TEAM IRELAND
Not really a fair comparison. Every athlete gives the most they can.
But well done Jason !!
Outstanding in his (track and) field! Nice one.
Well done Jason, what a legend and a true role model!
His medal ceremony is coming up next on channel 4. Very proud of Jason and all our amazing athletes!
The oul tears were welling and jasons bottom lip was quivering like mad.
Priceless photo bravo Jason!!
Fantastic performance. Now that was Irish sport at its best. Were you watching Trap??!
to be the best in the world for the last 8 years is amazing. double double top class!!
Fantastic a true athlete streets ahead of the opposition these paralympians are an inspiration to us all
Waiting for my head to be bitten off here.
Doesn’t anyone feel that entering our national champ who is a full time athelete and trains with the US team full time, finished 9th in the European championships and missed qualification for the Olympics by 0.04 seconds isn’t actually competing on a level playing field.
His achievements in these are brilliant. Tyson Gay thinks he has the potential to run under 10s for the 100m.
He competes against Bolt.
The paralympics should be for amateurs
What makes you think it should be for Amateurs??? get a grip of yourself