The wonderful gold medal exploits of sprinter Jason Smyth and middle distance maestro Michael McKillop at the Beijing Paralympics underlines just what could be achievable by our athletes if they had the determination, dedication and spirit of these two.

No gripes about the weather, access to training tracks, competition or coaching — or any of the other 101 excuses often trotted out in the aftermath of poor performances at international level by our senior representatives.

None of that from these two, just superb application and the real desire to be the best — what inspirations these two are.

After his 100m gold on Saturday, City of Derry club athlete Smyth, from Eglinton, produced his fourth world record in four races at the Games winning his second gold, in the 200m, in 21.43sec, which is an astonishing feat.

The 21-year-old now holds the Paralympic title, world title, and Paralympic and world records in the 100m and 200m (T13 category for athletes with visual impairment) and now ranks up there as one of Ireland’s greatest athletes, and all in his first ever Paralympic Games.

The realistic target now for his coach, former National Coaching director Stephen Maguire, is the London 2012 Olympics in the same field as Beijing Usain Bolt.

Maguire has mapped out his future at 200m and 400m pointing out that he does not have the physique for the 100m.

"He is tall enough (5’11") but those guys are built like tanks," he said. "Jason is leaner — more like Pietra Mennea — and he has both the speed and strength to mix the 200m and 400m. I would see him competing in both the Olympic Games and the Paralympics in London. Just think of the 4x400m squad we’ll have then!"

lTalking of inspiration, what a great move by John Glover for masterminding a thrilling mixed ability mile race at half time at a recent Friday night rugby fixture at Ravenhill.

Recreating the scene of days gone by when Ravenhill was regular host to athletic events, master coach and super vet Glover persuaded officials of Ulster rugby to stage a special handicapped one mile race featuring a small but quality field.

This afternoon, the irrepressible Glover is one of the folk behind today’s short course cross country races being organised by Lagan Valley in association with Belfast City Council at Barnett’s Park, first race at 12.00 noon.

This is an entirely new event and unique in that the course is half the normal cross country course distance, over parkland and covers the widest possible age range from primary five school children up to senior men and women.

The idea came from John’s training group who use this course on occasions for interval training, well worth supporting!