Smyth aimsfor Rio 2016

SPRINTER Jason Smyth hasn’t given up hope of competiting in the Olympics and is aiming to qualify for the Ireland squad in four years time.

The City of Derry Spartan does know that training with the likes of American sprinter Tyson Gay has meant that he’s a better athlete and because of that he hasn’t ruled out trying to reach his dream and compete at the next Olympics in Rio, in 2016.

“I know there’s more in me, I just know it, I know that I said I’d have to look at whether it would be feasible to keep making that kind of sacrifice which is required to become an Olympian, but I’ve given it a lot of thought and I think it’s even more important to make the most out of whatever talent you’re given,” he added.

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“I don’t think that I’ve reached my potential and I know that there’s more there that hasn’t come out yet so I’ve decided to give it another go and to see if I can make it to the next Olympics in Rio in 2016. Where I’ll be based, I don’t know, and I’m not sure which group I’ll be with or who I’ll be training with or anything like that, it’s something I can look at the end of the month.

“All I know is that it is something I’m not ready to give up on. I mean, to come so close - you’re talking hundredths of a second - and yet to seem like it was so far at the same time, it’s very hard to take. As I said before, when the margins are that fine, every last thing needs to go right for you and you need the environment to be in your favour and little things like that.

“I know I have the potential to reach the Olympic A Standard, it just didn’t happen this time and hopefully we can learn from that and put it right in the coming years.”

The former Limavady Grammar student, who in December marries American fiancé Elise Jordan, is hoping that this year athletics wise will have a big impact in the city; he feels after Triathlete Aileen Morrison competed at London 2012 and he begins his defence of his 100 and 200 metres titles, then athletics should come to the fore.

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“It was unfortunate for Aileen that things perhaps didn’t go as well she would have hoped. Particularly after how hard she worked just to get there, I’m sure she was a bit frustrated.

“But she has really set a great example. It’s fantastic to have people in the city performing at such a high level. Sport brings people together and to have that unity in Derry isn’t exactly a bad thing.

“Having local athletes out there gives things a bit of a kick heading into 2013 as the City of Culture and her performances have given the people something to celebrate. Hopefully I can do something out in London as well that will inspire others to go and do the same.”

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