About Me
Breaking Limits - On and Off the Track
I’m Jason Smyth, a six time Paralympic gold medalist and the fastest Paralympian in history. I’ve made my mark in sport, leadership, inclusion and media. I continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease at the age of eight, I lost over 90% of my vision and became legally blind. Yet, I never let that define me. Instead, I focused on continuously improving, seeing obstacles as opportunities for growth. My belief in what’s possible, rather than impossible, has been my driving force. This mindset propelled me to the top of my sport, helped me win Dancing with the Stars, and enabled a successful transition into new challenges beyond the track.
Today, I use my experiences to inspire, educate and drive meaningful change. I help businesses, brands and individuals break through their own barriers and unlock their full potential.
My Purpose
To create a positive impact by challenging perceptions of what is possible
The Impact
Helping others unlock their potential by breaking barriers and redefining what they believe is possible
My Values
Excellence
Striving for the highest standards in everything I do.
Resilence
Overcoming challenges with determination and adaptability.
Inclusion
Ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Leadership
Leading by example and empowering others to reach their potential.
Adaptability
Finding new ways to inspire, lead, and create impact.
Family
Staying grounded in the people and values that matter most.
On The Track
Breaking Boundaries and Setting Records
My journey in athletics began with a teacher who saw potential in me when others didn’t. Encouraged to join an athletics club as a teenager, I quickly discovered my passion for the sport, a decision that would propel me into a record-breaking career and redefine what was possible for an athlete with a disability.
I had a hugely successful career in para sport, winning 21 gold medals over 18 years and remaining undefeated in every international para event. But what set me apart was my relentless drive to push beyond expectations. I wasn’t satisfied with being the best in para sport, I wanted to test myself against the best in the world.
That ambition took me to the USA in 2009, where I spent years training alongside some of the fastest Olympic sprinters in the world. The experience sharpened my craft but, more importantly, redefined my perception of what I could achieve. I went on to compete outside of para competitions, twice reaching the European Championship semi finals, qualifying for the World Championships and narrowly missing Olympic qualification by just 0.04 seconds. In the process, I became the third-fastest Irishman in history over 100m.
None of this would have been possible without the right team. My coach, Stephen Maguire, played a pivotal role in my success, alongside the support of those who believed in me. In recognition of my impact on sport, I was awarded an MBE for services to Paralympic sport in 2022, a fitting honour as I retired in 2023.
Years Undefeated
🏆
18
🏅
21
Total Gold Medals
Fastest 100m Time
⏱️
10.22s
At the Paralympic Games
Beyond The Track
Winning isn’t just about crossing the finish line first, it’s about the mindset that gets you there. Over four Paralympic Games, I learned that success isn’t just built on talent but on resilience, adaptability and the ability to perform under pressure. The moments that define us aren’t always the victories; they’re the setbacks, the challenges, and the decisions we make when the pressure is on.
Applying High Performance to Every Arena
Whether you’re an individual striving for personal growth, a team navigating challenges, or an organisation looking to elevate performance, the principles of high performance remain the same. I’ve lived them, refined them and now, I help others apply them, turning ambition into action and potential into results. Let’s build a champion mindset together!
Learn more about my approach to leadership and performance!
