Video: Interview With Yushae DeSilva-Andrade
It’s showtime, literally, as Paralympian Yushae DeSilva-Andrade spoke with professional boxer Andre “Showtime” Lambe, who interviewed her as as part of Bernews ‘Best Interview the Best’ series.
DeSilva-Andrade believes she is better prepared to handle the big occasion when she competes in boccia at the Paralympic Games in Paris.
She made her Paralympic debut in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 in the women’s BC2 Division and admits she was “shell-shocked” by the size of the venue and number of spectators.
The 30-year-old will compete in the BC1 Division this time and feels much calmer and composed.
“Rio was an eye-opener because it was my first Paralympics,” DeSilva-Andrade told professional boxer Andre Lambe.
“I was shell-shocked playing in such a big arena with so many people. This time, I have a calm demeanour.
“I was really excited to qualify for Rio in 2016 – it felt surreal; however, this time it didn’t hit me at first.
“It took a few days before I was like, ‘Wait a minute; I’ve really qualified.’”
Ranked fourth in the world in her division, DeSilva-Andrade has hailed the influence of her coaches Troy Farnsworth and Larry Hunt in preparing her for Paris.
After the interview concluded the Paralympian took some time to show the professional boxer the basics of how to play boccia.
“I’m just looking to play my best every game and only focus on the game in front of me,” said DeSilva-Andrade, who won a silver medal at the Parapan Am Games in Santiago, Chile, last year.
“I can’t look at the end goal. I need to take it one game at a time.
“Troy’s had a huge influence and is the person who got me started in 2012.
“I’ve also got my coach Larry Hunt helping me and getting me ready for Paris.”
She added: “I love boccia so much. I don’t know what I’d do without it.”
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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Well done Yushae – So proud of you !