Jason Smyth, the Usain Bolt of the Paralympic Games, aims to break world record at Rio 2016
At London 2012, Jason Smyth set a world record time for the 100m T13 category of 10.43 seconds. He thinks he can go faster at Rio
Smyth won gold in the 100m sprint at Beiing 2008 and at London 2012 and is going for his triple gold in Rio (Photo: Getty Images/Michael Steele)
As Usain Bolt prepares to complete an unprecedented 'triple triple' at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, his Paralympic countepart Jason Smyth is also warming up for Rio.
The Irishman told the International Paralympic Committee that he is determined to win gold at his third consecutive Paralympic Games, and he believes he can go faster than ever before a Rio 2016.
“Absolutely I feel like there is a potential to run quicker than I have in the last Paralympic Games. I intend to – what happens on the day is always a different thing, but I’m optimistic that I can,” said Smyth, the visually impaired sprinter who set a new 100m world record at London 2012 when he clocked 10.46 seconds, four years on from breaking the world record at the Beijing Games in 2008.
The 29-year-old became a father for the first time last November - daughter Evie was born just in time for Smyth to return home from the world championships in Doha, Qatar, having won his third 100m world title.
Jason Smyth, the Usain Bolt of the Paralympic Games, out to win sixth gold at Rio 2016
Has fatherhood made him more determined?
“It’s definitely made me more tired! Has it made me more determined? I’d say it probably has. You’ve got someone relying on you."
Top of the ranking
One thing has not changed, however. Smyth tops the world rankings for the T13 category of the 100m – a position he has held steadfastly for more than five years.
So far 2016 has gone well for the Irishman, who spent eight weeks training and racing in Florida in the USA earlier this year.
“I ran 10.39 at a race in Florida – the quickest I’ve run since 2013, so things are good,” he said.
“I’ve been consistent – 10.40, 10.50 so to be honest I’m happy with how things have moved along.”
Smyth is also the reigning world champion in the event, following his victory in Qatar last year (Photo: Getty Images/François Nel)
Working hard – but also having the chance to take his mind off the track – could prove vital for Smyth, who knows he has a lot to live up to at Rio 2016, having won 100m and 200m gold at both Beijing 2008 and London 2012.
“It obviously means a lot (winning gold in Rio) – with Beijing and London going so well, it’s about trying to continue that and maintain that high standard.
“You put years of work in for one moment so it means everything to go there and do well,” said Smyth, who intends to keep sprinting on to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
