DeSilva-Andrade Reflects On Gold Medal Win
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Yushae DeSilva-Andrade described her gold medal win at the Fortaleza World Boccia Cup in Brazil as the highlight of her career.
She defeated home favourite Andeza De Oliveira, the world No 1, 8-3 in the semi-finals before beating Satanan Phromsiri, of Thailand, 7-5 in the final of the BC1 division yesterday [September 6].
It was DeSilva-Andrade’s third straight medal victory, having won silver at the World Boccia Challenger in Santiago, Chile, in June and silver at the Montreal World Boccia Cup in May.
“Winning gold was a shock for me,” DeSilva-Andrade told Bernews. “It’s definitely the best performance of my career so far.”
DeSilva-Andrade, the world No 8, said she was thrilled with her stunning victory over De Oliveira in the semis.
“I didn’t think I could beat the world number one,” she said. “It boosts my confidence. This gold medal is 15 years in the making!”
The 29-year-old said her superb performances over the past few months will boost her bid to qualify for the Paralympic Games in Paris next summer.
Up next for DeSilva-Andrade is the Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile, in November.
“Winning gold is a huge help [in qualifying for the Paralympics],” she said. “I’m in the top ten in the world. There’s a bunch of us fighting for the spots.
“This was my final competition before Parapan Am. Winning gold has made me believe I can achieve more.”
Congratulations and all the best in future endeavors.
Omar don’t give up. Your time is closer than you think.
Good for you and yes you can young lady. You are a star
I am unclear what the sarcasm and negative vibes regarding black paraatletes is in Bermuda. Jessica Lewis is a white athlete who trains out of Canada and the rudeness doesn’t touch her as a gold.medalist. Is this racism at play here…combined with ableism? Black para athletes deserve all the FUNDING and SUPPORT required to get them to the next level. Flora Duffy is white and isn’t the only Bermudian athlete deserving of respect on the international stage. Where are these gold medalists’ books and stamps and pictures with our leaders and school children at assemblies and murals?
Perhaps, the negative naysayers can visit Devonshire SDA Church of LOVE across the street from the National Stadium for a lesson on how to be a good friend and neighbor. Those naysayers should stop stealing resources from the Devonshire Bluebirds Pathfinders and labeling them as a ‘mental health group’ online. So rude.