Paralympics 2012: Jason Smyth clinches T13 200m gold medal

Northern Ireland sprinter Jason Smyth completed a superb sprint double at the Paralympic Games by winning the 200m T13 event in a new world record time.

Starting in lane five, the Eglinton athlete, who has less than 10% vision, led throughout and recorded a time of 21.05 seconds.

Smyth's personal best while competing against able-bodied athletes is 20.94.

"I'll keep pushing myself further - I need to keep moving forward and I know the best is still to come," said Smyth.

The Florida-based runner had won the 100m event for visually-impaired athletes in the T13 category at the Olympic Stadium in London last Saturday.

The 25-year-old retained his 100m title after bursting away from the field to win in a world record time of 10.46 seconds.

Smyth came home ahead of two Russian runners in Friday's 200m race.

Alexey Labzin was second in 21.95 and Artem Loginov third in 22.03.

"Beijing was great, but it's been even better here in London," added the Ireland team member who was winning his country's eighth gold of the Paralympics.

"It is a home Games and it's been a pleasure to be here competing.

"My vision makes it difficult but you just have to learn to get on with it," added Smyth, whose previous Paralympic 200m record was 21.43.

Smyth, visually impaired because of Stargardt's disease, was disappointed not to qualify for the Olympics, with his personal best of 10.22 only .04 seconds outside the 100m 'A' standard.

Smyth's success saw him become the second Irish athlete to secure two gold medals on the track at London 2012.

Belfast competitor Michael McKillop won both the 800m and 1500m classes in his category.

Smyth's profile within Paralympic sport was emphasised as he was presented with his latest gold medal by London 2012 chief Lord Coe.

The sprinter completed his lap of honour holding an Irish flag which read "Jason for double gold" before performing Bolt's trademark "Lightning Bolt" pose on the podium.