JASON SMYTH IS one of the greatest athletes this country has ever produced.
The world’s fastest Paralympian, his 15-year dominance is unprecedented, to say the very least.
In brief: five Paralympic gold medals at three Games, eight World and six European Championship titles, while undefeated on the major championship stage between Paralympics and Para athletics sprint events.
10.22 is Smyth’s lifetime best over 100m, clocked at an able-bodied competition in 2011, and it ranks him as the second fastest Irishman in history after Paul Hession’s national record of 10.18 from 2007.
The 34-year-old Derryman is worth his weight in gold, enjoying unparalleled success in the T13 class of the 100m and 200m. But it’s fair to say that he does not get the credit, recognition, or appreciation he deserves.
The same could be said about Para athletes in general. It’s an ongoing talking point, and one hammered home on these shores by Ellen Keane of late. Smyth’s name always comes up in the conversation.
“A Paralympic gold isn’t viewed the same as an Olympic gold medal and that’s a sad fact I know because Jason Smyth has spent 13 years unbeaten, he’s won every single gold medal and he’s never won RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year,” the Para swimmer told The Irish Independent earlier this year.
Wheelchair racer Patrick Monahan echoed those sentiments days later to The42, stating that recognition for Para athletes is certainly “still lagging behind,” while using the same example.
“You see Jason Smyth, the fastest Paralympian in the world, and does he get the recognition he deserves? I don’t think he does,” he said.
“One of the most high-profile Paralympians and he just doesn’t get the recognition that he deserves. I’m sure a lot of people in Ireland would know who the fastest Olympian in the world is. Probably a lot of people in Ireland maybe do [know Smyth] but I think on a global level, how many people would know Jason? And then you look at Usain Bolt or someone like that in the past. You can’t even compare them.”
It’s interesting to hear Smyth’s opinion.
He lays it out in black and white.
“There’s not really any questions to ask,” he begins. “We don’t get the same recognition and awareness. That being said, it has improved a lot, there’s no doubt about that.
“Things just don’t change overnight and there is a responsibility on athletes and the success that we have to try and change that awareness and that recognition.
“Taking me out of it personally, but looking at what I’ve achieved: 20 gold medals, competed at my first international in 2005, and never been beaten. If the likes of that had happened for an Olympic athlete, I think it would be very clear, it would be very different in what we know about them and the recognition, everything that comes with it. I don’t really think anybody can argue with it.
“I don’t take it personally but that’s a very obvious, easy example. If it was any other sport, you’d probably be shouting, singing, and dancing about it constantly but in Para sport, it’s not.”
“I think in a lot of sports, people have to blaze the way and change the path ahead,” he adds, “and with Para sport really turning since London 2012, we may look back in 10, 15, 20 years and it was a number of the successful athletes through that period that has started it down this path and like a snowball, it just builds.
“The one challenge is, will Para sport in Ireland continue to have the success it has had over the last number of years? I think that’s going to be quite hard to continue.”
Smyth is hell-bent on keeping his own upward trajectory, and gold rush, going this summer.
It’s fascinating to listen to him speak as he gears up for this fourth Paralympics in Tokyo this August, undoubtedly a “a very different Games” against the backdrop of Covid-19.
“That really is what allows you to be successful, finding answers to those problems, and realising there’s not one way of doing it,” he notes at one point, detailing the restrictions and barriers which have forced him to re-think his training plan of late.
The father-of-two will take it all in his stride, though. He hasn’t raced yet, his preparations hampered by a back injury last year, though all aligned towards peaking when it matters as he keeps his eyes on the prize.
“Everything for me has been geared towards trying to run fast when I need to which is the end of August, and not trying to rush or force things to compete. I’m happy with where things are at,” he stresses, confident in the solid foundations he has laid.
Continually building from his base in Belfast, Smyth will race there this weekend. Then it’s off to camp to fine-tune and sharpen up, before rounding off his warm-ups for the Games with a few more races.
And then it’s showtime.
He’s going to Tokyo, knowing what it’s all about with one thing on his mind: gold.
Given his history, is that the only acceptable outcome?
“That’s where the target is and the target will always be,” he nods.
“I mean that’s where I aim for, that’s what I want. I don’t really think about anything else. At the end of the day, it’s about getting my performance right, and when my performance is right, then that’s more likely to happen. Yeah, that’s very much the target.”
Older and more experienced this time around, he’ll use that to his advantage,and expects mentality to play a massive part in this scaled-back, more restricted and isolated Games.
It must be said, his mentality and mindset pretty bullet-proof, best seen as he speaks about what makes him tick:
“The reason why I’m still going and still driven to be successful at this stage for the length of time I’ve been competing and the success I’ve had, I’ve [more] medals to lose if I continue to compete, than I do to gain.
“That all comes from a mentality and I suppose, a desire to to continue to improve and continue to set the standard at that very top and I still believe I can do it and will do it, and so I continue to try and compete at that level.”
We’re proud to support Irish Paralympians like @smyth_jason who has shown courage every step of the way on his athletic journey. He's never let his impairment stop him from finding out just how good he can be and we’re all going to see his hard work come to fruition #Tokyo2020 ☘️ pic.twitter.com/B8zcOyxDq3
— Allianz Ireland (@AllianzIreland) July 5, 2021
Success, medals and competition are the name of the game at the highest level, but Smyth will never lose track of what sport is all about — and how much it has given him.
In his powerful Allianz Courage Chronicles video, he touched on how athletics helped him accept his visual impairment, and encouraged him to speak openly about it.
“It’s this journey through sport that was the massive turning point,” he smiles.
“Sport allowed me to begin to accept it. I mean, the reality is sport and Para sport started to highlight my visual impairment and I had to learn to get more comfortable in that, but I think a lot is probably driven by confidence.
“And as I had success, I became more confident in me and the things I did and me as a person. I learned to accept that. That’s one of the incredible things about sport and why I would be, in general, a big advocate for sport because of what sport can do. It has the power to, to change people for good; develop physically, socially, mentally.
“A lot of the skills and attributes that I’ve developed to be at the level I’ve been at are all skills and attributes that I can take with me wherever I go, into whatever career I go after. It’s those attributes, success. So much for me has been because of sport and I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunities and the experiences I’ve had through my journey of sport.”
*********************
Jason Smyth, Allianz brand ambassador and five-time Paralympic gold medallist, was speaking at the launch of the second video in Allianz’s Courage Chronicles series.
Earlier this year Allianz announced an eight-year worldwide partnership with the Olympic and Paralympic Movements, building on a global collaboration with the Paralympic Movement since 2006. For more information go to www.allianz.com
Rob herring quality
@Gary Galligan: He should have been on the bench for NZ, form player. The experience got Ulster through this one and was obviously lacking, one or both of Bierne/POM would have been as usuful as it was for Ulster with hendo. Still, while neither team excelled Ulster were worth their comeback and defence even if it was a bit ruc crazy at times worked well to secure the home win.
We’ve a huge Sexton shaped hole to fill. Crowley didn’t impress again, I’d have serious concerns over him starting in the 6 Nations. He was very poor last night. I’m still not convinced he’s good enough to run a back line. The fact Farrell didn’t bring him on against New Zealand speaks volumes.
@Aidan Farrell: I taught Billy Burns was far better, despite being eeled by Casey for the first try. With Joey injured, Crowley will have serious game time and hopefully develop further, while the Leinster pretenders trip over each other. It really is Crowley’s jersey to lose. You didn’t mention your alternative?
@brian o’leary: Farrell picking Crowley over Ross Byrne also spoke volumes?
@Aidan Farrell: part, not giving Crowley a run with 10 minutes to go against New Zealand was a big mistake by Andy Farrow
@Aidan Farrell: Agreed. He’s got a long way to go to be undisputed #1 for Ireland. Plus he’s only ever really actually started 10-15 games at fly-half for Munster. So he’s still a total novice. You can see he has something about him to be fair but think he’s been hyped up beyond belief. I’d still be in favour of giving him a shot starting for Ireland in the 6N anyway, would be invaluable for him. But we need to be open to the thought that Ross Byrne or whoever else might be best for Ireland in the short term.
@Aidan Farrell: Ah here we go. The negative press, those that only love to hate, you won’t find Aiden on a Leinster article.
@Aidan Farrell: lads, Sexton got his 1st cap at 24. Crowley’s 23. Give it time
@Aidan Farrell: Frish dropped 3 excellent flat passes from Crowley each of which would have put him through. Plus Crowley’s kicking from hand was superb even if his captain should have taken the 3 points on offer on two occasions. I’d be more concerned with a player being held up over the line which is recurring way to much in Irish rugby. Forwards need to be coached to recycle until it’s a sure thing. Whiteline fever is costing us matches!
@Aidan Farrell: The Ulster supporters I was beside last night were impressed with some of Crowley’s play, his tackling, little kicks, and they thought he’d be a much more imaginative, skilful 10 than either of the Byrne brothers.
The fact Farrell selected Crowley before Byrne in most matches spoke volumes, it was a mistake not to have given him 10mins Vs NZ. Crowley’s Ireland future 10, that’s a fact.
@Aidan Farrell: The only reason Farrell didn’t bring Crowley on was because he didn’t dare take Sexton off. Speaks more to Farrells personal relationship with Sexton than any perceived faith (or lack of) in Crowley. One poor game does not make a poor player, especially first game back after a disappointing World Cup. Crowley has had many the good game when it matters and the 6 Nations will decide whether he is good or not.
Honest assessment, a lot of players were dreadful.
A lot of issues in their performance, but also need to acknowledge a lot of grit shown by Ulster to come back into the game, especially after losing McIlroy so early on (should have been a penalty try – there was no way he would not have crossed the line apart for the reckless challenge). For all the rightful hype with Stewart, Herring coming on really swung that match for them. For Munster, Jager coming in is seriously needed – Archer is a liability, while Crowley will hopefully improve with more matches at stand off, because he cannot control the game effectively yet. Casey would be a much better scrum half if he didn’t try to go for scores for himself all the time…he has flattered to deceive for two years now. Patterson should definitely be selected ahead of him more.
@JoeVlogs: Casey is massively overhyped too to be fair. Needs to kick on for Munster this season and start living it up to that hype. Caolin Blade tearing up trees – would be very disappointed if he’s not in the mix for Ireland come selection in January.
@JoeVlogs: The hate starts subtly with ye bai’s, again you won’t find such ‘in-depth’ analysis on a Connacht article. Can’t find a way to not mention Casey, even when get gets the tries. There is no hype around Casey, he’s a decent scrum half as are many, this idea that somehow he’s the most terrible player to lace up boots comes from you fools, that ‘s the ony hype. Literally, no one is saying he is a world-beater. Agree on Archer tho.
@Carmine Lorenzo: Neither Casey nor Blade appear to have the game for an international start. Ok, Blade ‘tears it up’ in support lines in broken plays, but these are a rarity with the organised defences at the top level. Casey’s white line fever has often been commented on, his head is rarely ‘up’ in the opponents 22. Neither have the quick decision making necessary for transition plays and game direction. They both may look good in cameos or highlights, but don’t cut it over 60-80 minutes. Harsh, but I’d be looking beyond them for the long term succession plan after JGP/CM.
@Thesaltyurchin: would you not say Patterson is better though? I would say he is. I think Crowley has potential – I think he is more naturally a 12 than a 10, but for Ireland’s sake I hope he gets more opportunities at ten and thrives there. I would criticise Connacht if there was a reason to (I think leaving behind BPs could bite us), but so far we have won every match we have played, so all I’ll say is tonight will be an insight if we have good squad depth, as we are playing an understrength side against an Edinburgh side with many returned internationals. If I’m honest, I think it will be a tough one for us to win…I think we lack a bit experience in key departments, and have some relatively untested partnerships. However, hope to be proven wrong.
@JoeVlogs: Patterson is two half-games back from 9 months out with a spent acl, so your analysis is based on what your ‘memory palace’ can remember from the middle of last season, like for like there’s nothing between them really, Patterson was caught in the headlights a few times last week, feel like Casey so much as spills a ball and there’s a line of moaners calling for his retirement, why? Who are these moaners and what is their bias? The treatment of Blade on the international stage is the reason (for you anyway) you can pretend all you like that you’re ‘impartial’ a fan of the game first but you’ve a few chips to let go of first… Crowley has always played out half, he literally has a handful of games at 12. He’s 23 and has 9 international appearances at 10, Sexton had his first at 24. Connacht win tonight would be with the run of play and well deserved. We lost every game for a few months last season and won the yolk
@John Morris: Interesting points. Who is on your radar then beyond Casey and Blade as a matter of interest? Doak? Patterson?
@JoeVlogs: Patterson is a good player, quick recycler but tends to go left right left right. Doesn’t switch things up. Twice last night he shoulda gone blind but didn’t spot it.
@JoeVlogs: connacht have won their home games, no more no less. They pretty much did to ulster last week what a stronger ulster side did to munster last night at home
@Carmine Lorenzo: The radar has a problem, as there will be few opportunities for a ‘breakout’ player other than at Leinster, enforced by McGrath’s injury. Doak and Patterson are obvious names, but why has Doak not even been around the Ireland camp before this? The longer term succession will likely come from the Ben Murphy/Ethan Coughlan generation but not in 2024.
Thought the refereeing of the ruck was dreadful….got the feeling Murphy was making sure that – given his roots and previous commentary – he was not going to be accused again of being biased in favour of Munster.
@Michael Murray: People always bemoan Murphy in an interpro as bias to his beloved home team when really he overcompensates all the time, that last ruc in particular was a massive mess of people leaping in at the side but felt Ulster’s defence was worth the ticket price for a home fan at the end. Experience won that, deserved, and look forward to the return leg.
@Thesaltyurchin: …yeah but it wasn’t just the last ruck….Dodge City all night!!
I like Rowntree but there’s an argument that actually the playoff Munster just wasn’t Munster, whilst last night’s Munster (and the game in Treviso and the home match against Glasgow etc etc) was.
@Justin Robinson: with a bit of luck then that playoff munster shows up every year. As the only Irish province with a trophy I’ll take a few loses during the season no bother
@munsterman: Fair enough. The league is a bit of waste of time. May as well just put the 16 teams in a hat and go straight to knock out rugby.
@Justin Robinson: True ‘fan of the game’ eh, lol
@Justin Robinson: The primary function of the league is financial, to cover expenses.
@brian o’leary: it is useful to keep the better players ticking over, and of course development.
@brian o’leary: but as for driving excellence among our elite, its practically useless, as even at the semi final stage, teams can have their priorities elsewhere.
@brian o’leary: meanwhile, in the southern hemisphere, there’s only super rugby. 15-20 elite level games, played off over 4 months without interruption. Then, during their international season they run their separate development competitions… its not the men, its the structure?
I thought Ulster should have won by more. Other than the first 10 minutes and the last 5 they dominated the game. If they are to take advantage of the new pitch they will have to cut out the handling errors and turn the chances they create into points. McFarland is a solid coach but I’m not sure he’s the right fit to get the best out of the exciting young players coming through the system.
Honest assessment but i have every confidence rowntree and co will sort it out. Shows how important ruck accuracy is to an on ball team. Really missed jk and pom in that aspect. Against teams with limited gameplans like ulster we have to be better at securing quick ball.
Still early in the season for both sides , very hard to read too much into it
The worst the most officiated game I have seen in my life neck rolls high tackles absolute terrible referee TMO not fit for purpose