Jessica Lewis Hits New PB Times In Switzerland
Bermudian sprinter Jessica Lewis hit a new personal best time in the 100m race, recording a time of 16.81 during racing in Switzerland.
A recent post on her blog said “The next stop on the Road to Rio was Notwill, Switzerland. We arrived on May 24th and raced May 26th – 29th in two separate competitions. This was my fourth time in Switzerland and was the shortest trip there as the two competitions were back to back.
“The first competition was the IPC Athletics Grand Prix, where w were put into heats based on the seed times we submitted when we registered, which were classified as the prelims. The second competition was the Swiss Nationals, where we were put into heats based on the times we did during the IPC Grand Prix, which were classified as the finals.
“I competed in the 100m, 400m, and 800m races as the 200m race isn’t offered for my class [T53] at the Rio Paralympic Games. I was so excited to compete on the track again in Switzerland because I had such great memories of racing last year for the first time in the pink panther!
“The first 2 days, during the IPC Athletics Grand Prix, we had beautiful weather! I came away from the competition with a new PB of 16.92 in the 100m race and times close to my PB’s in the 400m and 800m races.
“The second 2 days, during the Swiss Nationals, were rainy on and off so the klister needed to be brought out [klister is a glue like substance, made from sap, that we put on our push rims and gloves to help us stick to the rim better and avoid slipping in the rain].
“Again, like the first competition, I pushed times close to my PB’s in the 400m and 800m races and broke the PB again in the 100m to achieve a new time of 16.81in a very close and competitive race between some incredible athletes!
“It is always so amazing to go to these competitions and be connected with a huge group of individuals, all who have different lives but all have one common goal and interest. It’s really true when they say sport brings the world together! I believe that there were 50 countries represented at the competitions and it is so cool to be a part of that!
“We left Switzerland on May 30th, which was a very exciting day! IT marked 100 days to go to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games!! Isn’t that insane?! It seems like it was just yesterday that I was wheeling up to the start line at the London 2012 games. I can’t wait to represent Bermuda at my second Paralympic Games and am so excited that I will be doing so alongside another athlete!
“Yes, that’s right! Bermuda will have a “big” team this year!! My friend Yushae has qualified and received word that she will be going to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in the sport of Boccia!! I am so excited and proud of her and can’t wait to watch her compete at her first Paralympic Games!.”
Congratulations young lady, you keep impressing me with your wins!!!!!
An incredibly dedicated athlete who have put Bermuda on the International map in Wheelchair Racing. Keep up the good work, Jessica and thanks for representing Bermuda with such dignity and pride.