Video: Gold Medalist Jessica Lewis Returns
Jessica Lewis returned to the island today [Aug 17] after her impressive showing at the Parapan Am Games in Toronto, which saw her capture the gold medal in record setting style.
The medal win was the first ever major medal won by a Bermudian in para-sports, and Ms Lewis did it in style, literally blowing the competition away in the 100m race to finish well ahead of the field, with her time breaking the Parapan Am Games record.
The 22-year-sprinter was greeted at the airport by balloon and flower carrying family and friends, as well as Town Crier Ed Christopher and Senator Jeff Baron.
Ms Lewis mother Lori Lewis thanked everyone for their support, and noted the Bermuda team had three athletes, and commended Steve Wilson and Yushae DeSilva-Andrade for their performances, saying they were “amazing.”
Senator Baron — noting that Ms Lewis didn’t just win she “crushed the competition” — wished her good luck at her upcoming competitions, which include the World Championships in Qatar and the Paralympics in Brazil, telling her the whole island is behind her.
Barbara Cooper, who was beaming with pride as she introduced herself as “Jessica’s super bragging granny,” thanked everyone for their support before telling Ms Lewis she was her “golden granddaughter.”
“I am so honoured to be able to bring home a medal to Bermuda,” said Ms Lewis. “It’s truly an honour to represent my country.”
Ms Lewis said she plans to keep training hard, and hopes to be on the medal podium again.
The 2015 Parapan Am Games featured 1,608 athletes from 28 countries competing in 15 different sports, and Bermuda was represented by Jessica Lewis in athletics; and Steve Wilson and Yushae DeSilva-Andrade in Boccia.
  
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Congratulations Jessica and the whole Bermuda Team! You have certainly made us all proud! Praying all the best for the rest of this year and the rest of your journey!
Golden girl!
Hard to find words to express how we feel with so much negativity out there Jessica.
You made Bermuda proud and of course yourself with such dedication and resolve.
Your family is proud and so are many others.
Shalom my friend.
Thanks to BerNews / Island Stats and all the other Press & Media members, friends, family, and the Hamilton Town Crier for their incredible ‘Welcome Home’ to Jessica ! Your support is greatly appreciated by Jessica and her entire family, and by the Bermuda Paralympic Association.
Well done Jessica – you are a hero in the eyes of so many Bermudians and residents who have met you and been inspired by you. And now you are a golden star
Thank Gold look so shiny
Awesome! Congrats Jessica!
Jessica…you are Golden! I wish I had known you were flying in today…would have loved to have cheered you on your arrival!!! So incredibly proud of you!!!
Coffee had a wonderful Expresso on your historic win !
I want to send special thanks to Earl Basden at BerNews/Island Stats for his dedicated and comprehensive coverage of ALL Jessica’s events. Undboutedly his support and encouragement have played an intergral part in her determination and success.
Jessica,
You are indeed an inspiration and have done us proud. Congratulations, Ms. Super Record Breaking athlete.
Congratulations on your great performance!
Jessica congratulations on your personal achievement and as a Bermudian who has put Bermuda on the map once again. It’s been long overdue where one of our own has had the opportunity to shine globally. You make me proud to be Bermudian. Thank you!
a very touching comment – genuine and meaningful. Thank you !
Thanks to your “bragging grandma” we have become aware of your wonderful achievements. Congratulations. I will pass this on to my Mum, Joyce.