GOING FOR GOLD

Toyota is proud to be an official sponsor to both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. And we are honoured to be the official partner of Ireland's Paralympic team. Toyota believes in breaking down barriers to mobility, to create a more inclusive society. It is a belief perfectly exemplified by the achievements of our incredible Paralympians. Our Start Your Impossible campaign showcases the talents of some of Ireland's finest athletes: Jason Smyth, Ellen Keane, Nicole Turner. It celebrates their passion and total dedication to their sport.

Jason Smyth
“Do it for home, make them proud, keep running”

35-year-old Jason Smyth from Derry is known as the world’s fastest Paralympian. The visually impaired sprinter, who was diagnosed with Stargardt disease when he was eight, claimed his eighth world title in 2019. He has won a record six European Championship titles, along with having six gold Paralympics medals to his name in four different Games. Jason is fully focused on Paris 2024 and is determined to do what no other athlete has done before, win gold at five Games.

He continues his unbeaten run in world-class para-athletics for well over a decade. Jason holds World records in the 100m and 200m events and when he is preparing for Paris, he only sees gold. It’s not just his training and mentality which has kept him going, as his wife and two little girls are always by his side cheering him on.

Ellen Keane
“Embrace your difference, give everything you’ve got”

Ellen Keane is no stranger to the biggest stage. Ellen, whose first Paralympics was in 2008 in Beijing when she was just 13 years old becoming the youngest Irish athlete to compete at a Paralympic Games, was born without her left arm below the elbow. She has been representing Ireland in para-swimming events across the world as an amputee since she was seven years old.

Ellen has previously brought home a bronze medal for the 100-metre breaststroke in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. Ellen’s tireless and unwavering commitment to her sport finally paid off and she achieved gold at Tokyo 2020. We’re right behind Ellen as she looks to replicate this success at Paris 2024.

Nicole Turner
“Reach out for the wall, reach out for gold”

Nicole was born with hypochondroplasia, making her of short stature and began swimming in 2007. A native of Portarlington and one of the youngest members on the Paralympic swimming squad for the last number of years, Nicole Turner has already had a very successful career.

Nicole previously competed in five events at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. She was chosen to be the flag bearer for Ireland at the closing ceremony and she was then nominated for both the RTÉ Sport Awards 2019 Sportsperson of the Year and named in the Young Sportspersons category. All before she hit 18.

In 2021, Nicole had her most successful season to date, the 20-year-old won four medals at the European Championships in Madeira in May 2021 - two silver and two bronze. Tokyo 2020 rounded off a fantastic year for Nicole as she captured a silver medal in the 50m butterfly S6 race. Restless in her pursuit of gold, Nicole has her eyes firmly fixed on Paris 2024.