Jason
won the T13 100m title while Michael was victorious in the T38 800m event.
Congratulating
the athletes the Minister said: “Once
again Jason Smyth and Michael McKillop are world beaters. It is testament to
their continued hunger for success, combined with dedication and hard work,
that they have become so dominant in their events.
“Jason has successfully
defended this title, having won it in Lyon in 2013, and it further bolsters his
status as the fastest paralympian in the world after his 100m and 200m success
in the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Paralympic Games.
“Michael has now defended
the 800m world title twice, having also won in Lyon and in Christchurch in
2011. He will run in the 1500m final this Friday as he bids to defend that
title as well.
“Once again we are
talking about local athletes at the very pinnacle of their sports. I
congratulate Jason and Michael wholeheartedly and pay tribute to their coaches,
friend and families who support them throughout the year.”
The
Minister also commended Niamh McCarthy of Cork on securing Team Ireland’s first
medal of the Championships, a bronze in F41 discus, yesterday.
The
Minister added: “Niamh McCarthy opened
Ireland’s medal account at the Championships with bronze in her discus event, a
fantastic debut for her at World Championship level.
“I commend Paralympics
Ireland for the work they do in developing athletes from right across the
island. They are an inspiration to people of all abilities. Hopefully we can
see the Ireland team add to the medal tally before these Championships are
over.
“We can also look
forward to the Paralympic Games in Rio next year with excitement and genuine
medal hopes.”
Notes to editors
1. More information on the 2015 IPC Athletics
World Championships is available at http://www.paralympic.org/doha-2015
2. Media enquiries should be addressed to
the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office by telephoning 028
9051 5047 or email DCAL Communications communications@dcalni.gov.uk. For out of office hours queries
please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your
call will be returned.
No comments:
Post a Comment