'The big day is finally here' - Pride of Ireland and world's fastest Paralympian retires

One of Ireland's most successful athletes and the fastest Paralympian in the world has retired from sport. 

Jason Smyth - who represented Ireland at the Beijing, London, Rio and Tokyo Paralympic Games - has announced his retirement having won six Paralympic gold medals, six Eurpoean Championship gold medals, and nine World Championship gold medals.  

In a video posted on his Twitter page today (March 29), he said, "The big day is finally here. I've decided to officially hang up the spikes." 

The sprinter said he's proudest of the fact he has gone unbeaten throughout his 18 year career, during which he amassed twenty one gold medals. 

He credited the support of "many people" for his success such as coaches and physios, and particularly mentioned his family including his wife, daughters, and parents. 

He concluded the video by saying, "Thank you and here's to the next chapter." 

Time to say goodbye… pic.twitter.com/5OxNwCvwW6

— Jason Smyth MBE (@smyth_jason) March 29, 2023

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and Sport, Catherine Martin, and the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne, both paid tribute to the athlete. 

Minister Martin said, "Jason has inspired a whole generation of young Irish people. To have one of the world’s top athletes come from these shores is an immense achievement and we have been truly privileged to watch him perform at such a high level for well over a decade.

"The Paralympics have been hugely important, both here and abroad, in promoting the cause of persons with disabilities. He has shown what can be achieved despite adversity. He has been an extraordinary advocate for the Paralympic games and sport in general, and for that we should all be grateful." 

Minister Byrne added, "Ireland has produced some extraordinarily gifted athletes over the years and there is no doubt in my mind that Jason ranks right up there with the very best of them. He is a multiple medal winner on a global level and he has showcased the best of Irish sport for many years. He has risen to the very top of his sport and he has done so with grace and humility.

"His club, Team Ireland and all Irish people are so proud of him. I can only hope that the high performance system we are continuously building on and improving in this country will go on to create more athletes of the calibre of Jason Smyth. I wish him and his family every best wish for the future."