The visually-impaired 23-year-old, who competes in able-bodied as well as disability competition, already holds two Paralympic Games gold medals and is the world record holder in the T13 100 and 200 metres.

Smyth will be heading to Christchurch in January expecting to defend the two world titles he won four years ago in the Netherlands but is also looking to improve on his personal best times of 10.32s for the 100m and 21s for the 200m in New Zealand.

"The best of Jason Smyth is still to come," warned the lifelong Liverpool supporter who dreamt of playing at Anfield as child.

"I definitely feel a good way from the finished article so I think there is a good bit of improving to come.

"I even believe this year I never ran as quick as I should for the shape I was in."

Smyth only got into athletics seven years ago when studying physical education at his school in Northern Ireland after a teacher with an interest in athletics noticed his explosive speed and suggested he join the local athletics club.

"I knew I was quick," explained Smyth, "as I was always playing on the wing in rugby or coming first or second at school sports day, but I never knew how quick I was until I joined the club.

"For the next year I only went along twice a week and when it came round to the racing season I actually won the Irish Schools competition at 100m and 200m.

"I ended up qualifying for the Youth Commonwealth Games, which was a trip to Australia, and I thought after the year I'd had 'Hey, I quite like this'.

"From there I suppose it just progressed and the year after that I was told about Paralympic Sport and that because of my visual impairment I could compete there."


Diagnosed at the age of eight with Stargardt's disease, an inherited juvenile macular degeneration that causes progressive vision loss usually to the point of legal blindness, Smyth remained a keen sportsman, regularly playing both football and rugby at school.

He said: "My vision got slightly worse but I don't remember it being perfect.

"It was pretty much where it is now but not too much different.

"I think if that's the way you grow up, you learn to adapt and cope with whatever the problem is.

"But it never held me back and I was able to do most things.

"My family has been a massive part in where I am now.

"Earlier on in my career they were the ones getting me to go training.

"They were the ones constantly supporting me and doing whatever they could to give me the best opportunities to be as good as I can.

"I am so grateful for how supportive they have been.

"I used to think I couldn't be bothered going training, but they'd encourage me to do so.

"You can't start something and only be half-hearted.

"I remember plenty of times I didn't want to be there but through a lot hard work it's all starting to pay off."

Smyth will be one of a whole host of big names, including Oscar Pistorius, Marcel Hug and David Weir, competing in the IPC Athletics World Championships from January 21-30.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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October 2010: Smyth heads Irish team for Christchurch
August 2010: Smyth ruled out of Commonwealth Games through injury
August 2010: Liam Harbison - Smyth's achievement highlights the progress of Paralympic sport in Ireland
August 2010: Smyth happy with his swift progress towards London 2012
July 2010: Smyth knocked out of European Championships but with reputation enhanced