Irish sprinter Jason Smyth (City of Derry AC) set the Olympic Stadium alight in London, winning the 100m (T13) gold in a new Paralympic World Record time of 10.46. Smyth blasted from the blocks and was never headed as he drove ferociously to a sensational victory.
It was two world records in two days for the City of Derry AC athlete as he broke the 10.54 mark he set in the qualifying heats on Friday, 31st of August. Smyth is not finished yet as he also runs in the T13 200m in which he is the reigning Olympic Champion. The heats for the 200m begin on Thursday, 6th of September.
On a momentous night for team Ireland, Michael McKillop (St Malachy’s AC) romped to victory in the 800m (T37) in a stunning new world record time of 1.57.22. Australian’s Brad Scott was the early leader as he set a fast pace from the gun, with McKillop running comfortable in second place. As both athletes approached the bell (58.14), McKillop seized his opportunity and bolted into the lead.
From there, the victory was never in doubt as he began to motor down the back straight. McKillop crossed the line to claim the gold medal and set a new world record of 1.57.22, a sensational performance from the St. Malachy’s AC athlete.
Athletics Ireland President Ciaran O’Cathain commenting about the two athletes performances said “This is a momentous night for not just these two athletes, but all of Ireland’s Paralympic athletes at the Games. Both Jason and Michael have shown tremendous determination and dedication to achieve these exceptional performances. I would like to congratulate both athletes on such tremendous performances.”
