Video: Interview With Paralympian Jessica Lewis
Jessica Lewis – who will become the first Bermudian to make four appearances in the Paralympic Games — recently spoke with another top Bermudian athlete, with Dage Minors interviewing her on behalf of Bernews as part of the ‘Best Interview the Best’ series.
Lewis has represented Bermuda at the 2012 London Games, the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games and the 2020 Tokyo Games and will join team-mate Yushae DeSilva-Andrade [boccia] in Paris from August 28 to September 8.
“I’m so excited, and it’s such an honour to represent Bermuda again at the highest level for a para-athlete,” Lewis told Dage Minors, who is the first Bermudian to break the 4-minute mile.
“Each time has been so special. I still have butterflies. It’s awesome becoming a [four-time Paralympian].
“Now we can return to focusing on the training and getting faster for Paris.”
The 31-year-old, who will compete in the T53 100 and 400, said the pleasure of reaching the Paralympics never gets old.
“I woke up to a message from my mom, saying, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re going to Paris!’” said Lewis, who claimed a third successive gold medal in the T53 100 at the Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile, last year.
“I remember thinking, ‘Oh, that’s so cool’. I phoned my friends and boyfriend – it was amazing to share that news.”
The Female Athlete of Year made significant career changes last year, moving to Victoria, British Columbia, to train at the Athletics Canada West Hub under her new coach, Geoff Harris.
“I’m focused on executing what we’ve worked on. Hopefully, I can get a PB,” said Lewis, who stepped up her preparations for Paris by breaking a record that has stood for 27 years after winning the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Nottwil, Switzerland, in June, crossing the line in 16.12.
“We’ve focused on my 100 metres – my best chance of getting on the podium.
“I’d like to edge into the 15 seconds in the 100 – that’s the next goal.”
Lewis said she could not have achieved all she has in her career without the support and assistance of her mother, Lorri Cooper Lewis.
“She’s been amazing,” Lewis added. “She does all the behind-the-scenes work, the paperwork – I’d be so lost without her!
“I just focus on the racing, and she takes care of the rest.”
Bernews will be providing comprehensive coverage of Bermuda’s athletes in the coming weeks, thanks to our sponsors Butterfield & Vallis, Auto Solutions, Clarien Bank and One Communications, and this video is part of our ‘Best interview the Best’ video series, which will be highlighting all of the athletes set to take part in the Olympics and Paralympics.
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