Smyth 5th in World Champs Heat

Jason Smyth

 

Irish 100 metres champion Jason Smyth missed out on qualifying for the World Championships 100 metres semi-finals in Daegu, Korea at the weekend.

He finished 5th in his heat in 10.57 secs against a strong headwind of -1.7 metres. The race won by eventual silver medallist Walter Dix of the US in 10.25secs.

Jason fought to the line from lane 8 and managed to get the better of World University Games finallist Egwero Ogho-Oghene of Nigeria. However,the Eglinton man was some way short of the 4th qualifying finisher who ran 10.41 secs.

Afterwards Jason said; "Things were spot on in the warm-up but I didn't race as well as I had hoped even though the times were slow because of the headwind. I really should have run better.

However,this is a learning experience as my goal is still to get the "A" standard for London 2012. This is always possible if I get the right race conditions."

The City of Derry sprinter can take consolation from completing a consistent season free from injury which started off in spectacular fashion with his NI record of 10.22 secs in Florida which is a "B" time for London.

There is every reason to expect that he will make it to the Olympics which will be followed shortly afterwards by the defence of his Paralympics titles.

Interview post race with Jason Smyth