Jason Smyth could face Usain Bolt at Glasgow 2014

“Delighted that I am part of #TeamNI for commonwealth games. #Glasgow2014.”

The world’s fastest Paralympian Jason Smyth may face the world’s fastest Olympian Usain Bolt next month after the 26-year-old was named as part of the Northern Ireland team for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Smyth, who completed the double double at the London 2012 Paralympic Games by retaining his 100m and 200m T13 titles from Beijing, will compete in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m in the Commonwealth track and field competition at Hampden Park.

“Delighted that I am part of #TeamNI for commonwealth games. #Glasgow2014,” tweeted Smyth the 100m (10.46) and 200m (21.05) T13 world record holder.

As the Glasgow 2014 para-sport programme does not cover visually impaired athletes, Smyth will compete in the able bodied competition opening up the possibility of a race against Usain Bolt who, like Smyth, won 100m and 200m gold at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

Joining Smyth in Glasgow will be para-swimmer and London 2012 S14 class gold medallist Bethany Firth and para-cyclist and London medallist James Brown and his pilot Dave Readle.

Robert McVeigh, Chef de Mission of the Northern Ireland team said: “We’re delighted to be taking our largest ever team to Glasgow, in what is essentially a home Games for Northern Ireland.

“We have a great mix of youth and experience within the team which is drawn from all parts of Northern Ireland and from all sections of our community.”

The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will take place between will take place between 23 July and 3 August. The event features five para-sports: athletics, cycling, lawn bowls, powerlifting and swimming.