Compatriot Katie Taylor was cheered all the way to Olympic Games glory in the women's Light Weight Boxing competition, and Smyth is anticipating an electric atmosphere in the Olympic Stadium when the Athletics action gets under way.

Smyth said: 'It's pretty much a home Games for Ireland. We're never going to have the opportunity for family and friends and people to come and support us as much as this.

'The Irish are very supportive and will come along to support their own people and there will be a very good buzz and atmosphere in the stadium with the Irish, but I expect the British people to support the Irish as well.'

Smyth believes it would be a great achievement, and a boost to his nation, if he successfully defended his titles in London.

'It means a lot. It's the cream of athletes in their sport being able to be top of the field,' he added.

'The opportunity of representing your country is fantastic but being on top of the podium, and having success, is one of them things you can't really describe. (Only) you know how it feels inside.

'We don't have massive successes because we're not a massive country, so that little bit of success can bring the country together.'