Yushae DeSilva-Andrade On Gold Medal Win
Yushae DeSilva-Andrade says sticking to her game plan was the key to winning gold in the BC1 women’s division at the recent Birmingham World Boccia Challenger in Alabama.
The Bermudian secured the title after winning three of her four matches in the round-robin competition.
“The Birmingham World Boccia Challenger was a great competition for me,” DeSilva-Andrade said.
“We knew going in it would be a tough one because there were only five people in my division, which meant we would have to play a round-robin.
“That’s when you play everyone once. My first game didn’t go as I anticipated, but I kept on playing the game the way my coach and I had planned.
“Even when I lost that first game, a feeling came over me that I couldn’t explain.
“I just knew I would be Ok and that it would all work out.
“After winning my second game using the same plan, that feeling I had grown stronger.
“In my third and fourth game, I had fallen behind in the first few ends, but I knew I could come back from that.
“All I needed to do was remain calm, dig deep, and execute my shots to the best of my ability, and I did!
“Winning this gold medal didn’t just make me happy that I won; it taught me a very important lesson, that if I just stick to the plan [meaning the way I play my game], even when things get a bit uncertain, that it will work out in the end.
“It was awesome to have this experience with my friends, some of whom I hadn’t seen in a while, and also a new team-mate [Zeik Blakeney].”
The Paralympian thanked those closest to her for their support and said her attention has now turned to the World Boccia Championship in Seoul, South Korea, in August and September.
“Special thanks to my coach and my mom for always giving me the support and guidance I need on this rollercoaster of a journey,” she added.
“Thank you to everyone for your continued support in my journey. Now it’s time to start preparing for the World Championships in Seoul, Korea, this summer.”
Congratulations Yushae — so proud of you !