Six time Paralympic gold hero Jason Smyth inducted into RTE Sport Hall of Fame

Jason Smyth admitted he is finally able to appreciate just how incredible his career was as 2023 came to an end with yet another honour.

The Eglinton man, who competed in four Paralympic Games in a gold-medal laden career, was inducted into RTE's Sport Hall of Fame for 2023 this past weekend, just months after retiring from the sport which he took by storm. With 21 gold medals and an unblemished undefeated record, Smyth was untouchable throughout his career and leaves a remarkable legacy for those aspiring to follow in his footsteps.

Hailed the “Fastest Paralympian on the Planet”, Smyth won six gold medals at the Paralympic Games in the 100m and 200m events. He also claimed 8 Gold medals at World Championships 6 gold medals at European Championships and a gold at the World Indoor Championships over 60 metres. He also retires as the current European, World and Paralympic Champion in the event that he helped to redefine; the T13 100m and he is the current World Record holder in both events.

Smyth, who has taken up a manager role with Paralympic Ireland since his retirement back in March, was not made aware prior to the RTE honour and admits it was a tremendous surprise.

"It wasn't expected at all so it's a nice surprise. I think this award is actually heavier than the gold medals to be fair," he laughed."

Asked to look back on his career, Smyth admitted that meeting his coach Stephen Maguire was ultimately the turning point.

"It feels so long ago," he said. "I think for me, when I look back and reflect, I was very fortunate in a lot of my career. Where I got involved was when I met Stephen Maguire, the guy who coached me through most of my career, and really created the platform for me to go on and have the success that I had.

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"Sometimes you meet people along the way at the right time and he had a huge influence on me and he was certainly one of those people.

"There was also a teacher initially when I was at school, who encouraged me to go to an athletics club, a lady by the name of Liz Maguire, so there's always a lesson in there about taking opportunities because you just never know where they can lead you to in your life."

There is no doubting the impact that Smyth has had on the sport and on the next generation of stars who can look up to the incredible achievements of someone who worked so hard not only to become the best, but also, to remain as the best.

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"I think that's the incredible opportunity that all the sports people have in this room," he said. "The reality is that when you're there to compete you're not really thinking about it, but the impact you have or can have, and the reality is you never know it, but it is that impact to inspire people and it's a great privilege that we have that ability, and I think sometimes we take it for granted.

"Now, when you get to that point where you stop, you take more moments to look back and for me, really appreciate how incredible the journey was that I was able to be on."

Smyth, who continues to work with Paralympics Ireland, is not one to stay idle and has already signed up for the new season of Dancing with the Stars.

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“I think there are elements I'm excited about and elements that I'm just a little bit nervous about as well," he said. "I wouldn't even say I was someone who dances loads, I have two girls, eight and five, and they both love to dance so, I've had to learn to bop around more and more, but it's usually to princess songs or something slightly different."

Smyth joins an eclectic cast including former Miss World Rosanna Davison and retired jockey Davy Russell.