The 23-year-old double Paralympic champion, who had not raced for a month because of a hamstring injury, ran 10.41sec and 10.43 for 100 metres and will now take up his place on the start line for the Championships, which open in Barcelona on Tuesday (July 27).

"There were no problems although he was very rusty as we expected," said Smyth's coach Stephen Maguire.

"But he's been training well and will be okay for Barcelona."

Smyth's preparations for the race were not helped by some travel delays on the way to the South of France from the Ireland team's pre-European Championship training camp in Murcia.

"He was pretty tired by the time he got here this afternoon at 2pm and it wasn't the ideal way to prepare for a race," added Maguire.

"But it's a case of job done with no problems after the two races."

Temperatures in Barcelona could hit highs of 40 degrees and most of the athletes travelled to Spain early to acclimatise.

But Smyth, who suffers from Stargardt disease, which affects his central vision could be counted one of the lucky ones, having done his winter training in Florida with Tyson Gay, the world championship 100m silver medallist.

"The heat is not much of a problem," he said.

"It's a bit more normal for me because it's what I'm used to.

"Everybody finds it hot but I'm able to cope with it a bit more, it's what I've been training in."


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June 2010: Smyth beats European 100m champion with stunning run
June 2010: Smyth impresses as sets national 100m record