Rio 2016 Paralympics: Jason Smyth says preparations for Games have been 'ideal'

Ireland's four-time Paralympic gold medallist Jason Smyth says he is optimistic about his chances of more success in Rio after a smooth build-up to the Games.

Smyth, 29, will be one of the first Irish athletes in action when he competes in the T13 100m heats on Thursday.

"Preparations have been ideal for me," says the world's fastest Paralympian.

With Smyth's opening heat taking place at 23:15 BST on Thursday, the Irish star will not be taking part in Wednesday's opening ceremony.

"As incredible as the opening ceremony is, there's a lot of standing around and it wouldn't be the ideal preparation for me, with my first race taking pace the next day," adds Smyth, who as an eight-year-old was diagnosed with the genetic condition Stargardt's Disease, which has left him with less than 10% of normal vision.