Jessica Lewis Reflects On Paralympic Games
Following the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Bermuda’s Jessica Lewis reflected on her whole experience, thanking Bermuda for the support, saying that she was proud to have represented the island once again.
In making her third Paralympic appearance, Ms Lewis competed in three events — the 100m, 400m, and 800m — and in the 100m she recorded a 4th place finish, the highest ever finish by Bermuda at the Paralympic Games.
Jessica Lewis posted on social media, saying: “Arigato Tokyo and your people for all your hard work in creating a welcoming and safe environment for us to be able to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
“Sport has its highs and lows and that’s certainly been the case over the past 5 years as I prepared for Tokyo. Chasing a goal that over the past year and a half seemed impossible and might not become reality really challenged me on the mental preparations.
“I can confidently say though I felt 100% ready and focused when it came down to finally reaching those start lines. Which was all thanks to Coach Curtis, my teammates, Coach Lisa, my family and friends.
“Finishing 4th in the 100m, with a 2 place advancement from Rio, is something I’m extremely proud of. But it’s also extremely tough. For now I’m going to let myself feel these emotions. While doing that I can say that today I am a 3 time Paralympian and I think that’s pretty cool,” she said.
Ms Lewis comments that finishing 4th was something she was proud of, but it is “also extremely tough” can be taken as a nod to exactly how close she came to winning the island’s first ever Paralympic medal, with the sprinter under 0.4 seconds off winning a medal. However judging by the reactions on social media, Bermudians were very proud and excited by Ms Lewis’ Paralympic showing, widely applauding her 4th place finish, as well as congratulating her for recording a personal best in the 800m.
Ms Lewis added, “A big congratulations to all in the T53 class. It’s a pleasure to be competing with you. All of our journeys to and in Tokyo were different but we all shared the same dream and showed what the human spirit is capable of.
“Thank you so much to everyone for your kind messages. I am so lucky to be surrounded by so much support. I love you Bermuda and I’m so proud to have been able to represent you once again,” she added.
The third Paralympic appearance by Ms Lewis and the 4th place finish adds to her already impressive resume, which includes multiple Parapan medals, holding the record in the 100m at Parapan level, and winning the first ever IPC World Championship medal for Bermuda.
