Jason Smyth, Omara Durand become fastest para-athletes

Jason Smyth of Ireland competes in the mens 200m T12 semi final during day three of the IPC Athletics European Championships at Swansea University Sports Village on August 21, 2014
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Irishman Jason Smyth and Cuban woman Omara Durand are named as the world's fastest para-athletes after winning 100m challenges in Rio de Janeiro.

Jason Smyth has been named as the fastest male para-athlete in the world after winning a 100m challenge in Rio de Janeiro.

The unique event saw four of the fastest para-athletes from different disability classifications line up to mark the one-year countdown to the start of the Paralympic Games in Brazil next year.

Irishman Smyth was a comfortable victor, winning in 10.46s, with American Richard Browne finishing as runner-up in a time of 10.87s.

In the women's event, Cuba's Omara Durand prevailed in 11.74s, half a second ahead of Brazil's Terezinha Guilhermina.

Olympics opening ceremony
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