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"That's where I set my standard at" - Jason Smyth wants another Paralympic gold medal

The Paralympic Games begin on Thursday night in Brazil, with one of Ireland's main medal prospect...



"That's where I set my...
Golf

"That's where I set my standard at" - Jason Smyth wants another Paralympic gold medal

The Paralympic Games begin on Thursday night in Brazil, with one of Ireland's main medal prospects taking to the track on Friday evening.

Jason Smyth is looking to emulate what Usain Bolt did last month and win three 100-metre titles in a row. The Derry native also won gold in the 200-metres in Beijing and London in the T13 class but is only competing on the shorter distance in Brazil.

Speaking to Newstalk Sport's Oisin Langan in Brazil ahead of his third Paralympic Games, Smyth said his preparations have gone well, despite having injury issues in recent months. 

"This season I've ran quicker than I have in a few years. Preparations have gone very well. I'm optimistic I can go for gold and be very successful".

Smyth has already won four gold medals in Paralympic Games and admits anything other that a gold in Brazil will be disappointing.

"I've went to Paralympics and World Championships and won gold. Over my whole Paralympic career I've only ever won gold. That's where I set my standard at."

Due to reclassification issues, Smyth's T13 200-metre race will not take place in Brazil, so he will only be competing in one event. He doesn't see that as an issue in the coming days.

"There is a bit more pressure where you've only got the one event now. There's less room for error. It doesn't matter if I had one event or two, I'd still be going for gold".

Smyth is the fastest Paralympian on the planet and has been regularly compared to Usain Bolt. He loves being spoken about in the same breath as the Jamaican.

"To be in the same sentence as such an incredible athlete, who has achieved incredible things in his sport is great".

Smyth takes to the track just after 11.30pm (Irish time) on Friday evening. The final of the T13 event takes place the following afternoon at 3.05pm. He hopes to add Paralympic gold number-five to the collection. 

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