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Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD, and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, have extended their congratulations to Jason Smyth following his triumph in the T13 100m final.

Jason already holds two Paralympic gold medals in the T13 100m from Beijing in 2008 and London 2012.

Speaking after witnessing Jason’s remarkable achievement Minister O’Donovan said. “Jason won his first gold medals at the Beijing games in 2008, and to achieve a 3rd 100m gold medal and 5th overall eight years later is a testament to his desire and determination to be the best in the world. It was a great pleasure to be in the stadium to witness Jason’s triumph and it will be a great honour to present him with his gold medal later today. I am delighted that Jason has retained his title of the fastest Paralympian in history.”

Minster Ross said: “I am delighted for Jason, he was a favourite coming into these games being the defending champion and to achieve a fifth gold medal is exceptional. I hope that his achievement of winning Team Ireland’s first medal on only the 2nd day of the games will give our other athletes a real boost. Hopefully this is the beginning of another successful Paralympic Games for Team Ireland.”