
Jason Smyth
Decorated Irish Paralympic Athlete
Jason Smyth, Ireland's most Decorated Irish Paralympic Athlete. Jason has an 18-year career adorned with 21 gold medals, including six Paralympic golds. Diagnosed with a vision-limiting eye disease at eight, Smyth's determination led him to exceptional achievements in sprinting. Honoured with an MBE for his contributions to sports, he recently retired to lead at Paralympics Ireland and is pursuing a career as a qualified financial advisor. Smyth's story is a beacon of resilience and excellence.
Jason Smyth is one of Ireland’s most Decorated Irish Paralympic Athlete. Diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease, a condition that severely limits his vision, Jason has not let this challenge hinder his pursuit of excellence. Throughout his illustrious 18-year career, he remained unbeaten, securing 21 gold medals in the 100m and 200m events, including six Paralympic Games golds. His incredible achievements earned him the title of “Fastest Paralympian on the Planet.”
Born in Derry, Jason began running competitively at the age of 16. By 17, he was competing in Paralympic sports, quickly rising to prominence with his record-breaking performances at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. He continued to dominate in subsequent Paralympics, including the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Games, further cementing his legacy with his performances at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
In recognition of his contributions to sport, Decorated Irish Paralympic Athlete Jason was honored with an MBE in 2022. He has since retired from competitive racing and taken on the role of Strategy Manager at Paralympics Ireland, where he helps shape the future of para sport. Additionally, Jason is training to become a qualified financial advisor, showcasing his dedication to continuous personal and professional growth.
Jason’s journey is marked by resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence. As a keynote speaker, he shares his powerful narrative of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness. His talks are known for their inspirational messages on leadership, performance, and the importance of fostering a high-performance culture.
To book Decorated Irish Paralympic Athlete Jason Smyth for your event, contact Front Row Speakers on +353 1 485 3991 or email welcome@frontrowspeakers.com.