Published Saturday, 15 September 2012
Jason Smyth displays his Paralympic medals during his home coming parade. (© UTV)
The 25-year-old smashed the world records for the 200m and 100m races at the Olympic stadium earlier this month.
The visually impaired athlete competes in the T13 classification and ran the fastest Paralympian 100m in history, earning him the nickname 'Ireland's Usain Bolt'.
He drove through the village in an open top truck and said the support of those back home has been overwhelming.
"It has been crazy. You're walking about and people are congratulating you," he said.
"The support has been unbelievable to be fair, the people broadcasting the Paralympic Games did a fantastic job and everybody seems to have supported what's going with which is great to see, and there seems to be a buzz about things at home."
He was also given a guard of honour by athletes from his home club, the City of Derry Spartans.
Jason's next door neighbour Carmel Turley explained why she felt it was important to support him.
"Like everybody else in the community we are extremely proud of him. It's an amazing achievement," she said.
"It brings the community together and it's a good news story which is lovely for a change."
After signing autographs and posing for photographs with locals, Jason told UTV it was great to be home.
"I think one of the big things that you appreciate the most is the support and you see just how many people are interested and have been watching what's going on.
"It's really enjoyable for me to go there and compete but even more for me to hopefully inspire others in the younger generation."
A post box in Eglinton has been painted gold in celebration of Smyth's achievements. The Team Ireland runner welcomed Royal Mail's change of heart, as he had been turned down for the honour because Smyth did not compete with Team GB.
The celebrations are set to continue with a civic reception being held for the sprinter next week.