News

21st June 2010Sprinter Smyth--Brilliant in Budapest

Sundays update on the AAI Website captured perfectly the ongoing success story which is local sprint sensation Jason Smyth as the Eglinton Flyer stormed to another new 100m PB of 10.27secs in Budapest the previous day.

"Smyth on Fire in Budapest" was the headline on the story from Hungary,of the City of Derry speedsters second PB in a week as he carried the green Irish vest to an unprecedented International sprint victory at a major meeting.He had run a new NI record of 10.32secs a week earlier in Antrim but last weekends effort,after the added tension of a restart--was a major breakthrough for the unassuming Eglinton lad,the double Paralympic sprint gold medallist from Beijing in 2008.

Competing in the European Div 1 Team Competion he claimed Irelands first ever maximun points in a 100m race at this level and for good measure beat a very strong field,including the runner up-on 10.28secs- Portugals Francis Obikwelu,a sub 10secs man and reigning European 100m/200m champion!

The Spartans brilliant run had a galvanising effect on Galways Paul Hession who on Sunday became the fastest European over 200m this year when he clocked a winning 20.46secs to give the boys in green a rare top level sprint double and significantly boost their chances to retain their Div 1 status achieved only last year.

As we go to press the Irish team offically finished in eight spot of the twelve national teams in action,thus preserving their Div 1 status. Hurdler Tom Carey and Javelin Thrower Aaron Crawford also contributed to the Irish effort with the unfortunate Strabane thrower severely hampered by an injury and unable to do no more than a standing throw.Carey was in his less preferred 110m Hurdles and despite a seasons best of 14.52s found himself in the bottom half of the finishers.Jason Smyth led off the sprint relay quartet who finished fifth overall with a 40.09s clocking. Photo below from athletics ireland website thanks.

Gerry L