Golden tribute a permanent fixture

Robert Smyth, who travelled to London with other family members in the summer to watch Jason win two gold medals for the second time in both the 100 and 200 sprints, setting new world records in the process, said it was “great news” for all the inhabitants of the vilage.

“News that the Golden Post Box in Eglinton is to become a permanent feature of the village will come as great news for all it’s inhabitants. It recognises Jason Smyth’s success as the fastest Paralympian in the world and brings honour to his village home. Jason won double Gold Medals in the 2012 London Paralympic Games in both the 100 and 200 sprints and setting new world records in the process,” he said.

Reflecting on the controversy that surrounded the painting of Post Boxes for athletes in the UK and not for those who competed for Ireland, Mr Smyth said: “in the UK It was Jason himself that tweeted that he felt it appropriate that his local Post Box be painted gold in line with the mainland. At first the Post Office refused stating that the Golden Boxes were only for the British Contenders and that Jason, Michael McKillop and Bethany Firth all competed for Ireland. That did not go down well with the Public and there was an outcry, which lead to the Post Office changing it’s mind. These three athletes all lived in Northern Ireland and Jason does run for the North in certain events.

“Everyone was delighted when on a damp misty morning a Post Office representative arrived in Eglinton and began painting the red box gold. The local community and especially the village fathers with guidance from Dympna Stewart, laid on a terrific event of congratulations for Jason and this cemented the civic pride of all the locals. The Gold Post Box is then the icing on the cake,” Mr Smyth said.

Welcoming the news that the Post Office is to maintain the golden Eglinton Post Box as an ongoing tribute, Mr Smyth said it would help people remember the world champion with pride, as well as put the village on the map for locals and tourists alike.

“The Smyth family sincerely thank the Post Office, who have said that this is the first time in history that there has been a permanent change to the colour of their post boxes. Throughout the UK there are 110 such boxes and they have now become Landmarks. It is great news,” he said.