Yushae DeSilva-Andrade On Paralympics
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Boccia player Yushae DeSilva-Andrade is feeling confident and well-prepared as she gears up for the Paralympic Games in Paris.
Competing in the women’s BC1 division, DeSilva-Andrade arrived in the French capital on Friday [August 23], accompanied by her coaches, Troy Farnsworth and Larry Hunt.
Ranked fourth in her division, DeSilva-Andrade knows she has the potential to challenge for a podium finish; however, she remains focused on her immediate goal: advancing from the pool stage to the knockout phase.
“I’ve been training more at WindReach in Warwick,” DeSilva-Andrade told Bernews. “I feel more ready for this competition than I have in the past.
“I’m focusing on playing the game in front of me and not worrying about things I can’t control.”
Having competed against most of her rivals before, DeSilva-Andrade believes she has a favourable draw. “We’re pretty evenly matched,” she added.
The 30-year-old made her Paralympic debut in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, competing in the women’s BC2 division.
Now, she is eager to once again experience the unique atmosphere and camaraderie of the Paralympic Village in Paris.
“It’s going to be an amazing experience in Paris,” she said. “The emotions are starting to kick in, and I’m getting excited about it.
“Being in the Paralympic Village is always special. It’s fun to be around people just like you for two and a half weeks.
“It’s inspiring to live alongside athletes who have overcome so much to reach the Games.”
DeSilva-Andrade is confident that performing in front of a large crowd at the South Paris Arena will bring out the best in her.
She also emphasised the importance of resting between matches, which come in quick succession during the pool stage.
Yushae DeSilva Andrade Interviewed By Andre Lambe
“When I start playing, I forget the crowd is there,” DeSilva-Andrade said. “It’s only when I stop, look up, and go, ‘Whoa,’ that I realise they’re there.
“Some days, depending on how long I’m playing, it can be mentally draining. I make sure I get the rest I need so I can go back out and perform.”
Joining DeSilva-Andrade in representing Bermuda is sprinter Jessica Lewis, who also competed alongside her in Rio.
“We know what life is like as a para-athlete and can share our experiences,” said DeSilva-Andrade, who starts competing on Thursday [August 29].
“It will be awesome to be here with her again. It’s also great knowing the whole country is behind you. It gives you the boost to keep going.”
Looking ahead, DeSilva-Andrade hopes to continue competing for as long as she can.
“I’ve no plans to stop, especially as things are going well,” she added. “I’ll see how my body reacts and how I feel.”
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