Jessica Lewis Grateful For ‘Amazing Experience’
Following her medal-winning showing at the IPC World Championships, Jessica Lewis said she is “so proud to bring home Bermuda’s first IPC Athletics World Championship medal” and “grateful to have this amazing experience.”
Held in Qatar, the IPC World Championships featured around 1,300 athletes from 90 countries, with Ms Lewis the sole athlete representing Bermuda.
She competed in the 400m and 800m, placed 4th in the 200m and claimed a bronze medal in the 100m, which marked the first time Bermuda has won a medal at IPC World Championship level.
In a post on her blog, Ms Lewis said, “It was a tough race and it was funny, I actually didn’t know I got third until one of the other racers said congratulations and I saw my name on the scoreboard on the field inside the track.
“It was definitely an amazing feeling! I am so proud to bring home Bermuda’s first IPC Athletics World Championship medal. Going up on the podium and watching the Bermuda flag rise is a feeling that is really hard to describe.
“How can I sum up the 2015 racing season? Well…the pink panther [her racing chair] and I have had the most incredible time.
Jessica Lewis 100M finals at 2015 World Championships
“I have had the best races of my sporting career so far and to say I am ending it with my — and Bermuda’s — first ParaPan American Games medal and IPC Athletics World Championship medal around my neck is truly amazing!
“I am so grateful to have this amazing experience and I am looking forward to many more races in the future.
“Thank you so much to you all for coming along with me on this incredible journey! I honestly have the best support team and truly appreciate all of your support and encouragement.
Jessica Lewis receives her medal at the World Championships in Qatar
“Thank you to my family for giving me this opportunity and supporting me every step of the way. Thank you to BHS for allowing my mom to take time off work to join me.
“Thank you to my teammates who motivate me and push me to get better. Thank you to my coach Ken for everything you do for me on and off the track and seeing the potential in me and believing in me.
“Thank you to the press in Bermuda for all their coverage…I think some of the articles were up before I was even off the track!
“And thank you to my sponsors Tokio Millennium Re for believing in me and helping me continue to race. As well as the staff for raising the funds for the Pink Panther!”
Congrats! I would like to see a bunch of our atheletes that have had positive impacts highlighted during a heroes weekend.
‘Operation Bigger Faster Stronger
To Zanaimah: What a wonderful idea – a Hero’s Weekend (provided they can all take time from their training and studies) to be here ! I would also suggest a SPORTS HERO’s WALL OF FAME in one of our public buildings ( eg City Hall ). These athletes have made Bermuda proud and certainly should be publicly recognized.
a true (and grateful) champ !