Lewis London-bound for Paralympics
Jessica Lewis isn’t worrying about her placing in the upcoming Paralympic Games in London, but rather embracing the atmosphere of the spectacle as she represents Bermuda for the first time at the Games.Lewis will be the only Bermuda representative in the English capital after Sandy Mitchell withdrew due to health issues.Mitchell was entered in the para dressage but had to pull out at the 12th hour.Lewis believes the experience will be a thrill of a lifetime as she takes her place in the 100, 200, and 400 metres.“Training is going well so far, I’m in my chair about four to five days a week working on my technique,” she said. “I feel honoured to represent Bermuda, it’s unfortunate that one of my mentors, Sandy Mitchell, had to withdraw from the Games, which left me as the sole representative for Bermuda.“I will go to London and show the world what I’ve got and make Sandy and Bermuda proud just like the Olympians did.”Having only been racing competitively for two years, Lewis is far exceeding expectations and will be looking to make her mark in her three races.She said it was only with support from friends and family that she achieved the ultimate goal of the Olympics.“I have only been racing for about two years and I will be competing against people who have been racing 15 plus years so competition will be tough.“I’m not focused on what place I will come, I’m just going to do what I’ve been training to do and whatever happens happens. I’m just so thrilled to have qualified for the Games in just two short years.“My times now are better than the times of a few of my racing friends when they had only been racing for two years, which is great to hear.“I have a long career ahead of me in track and I’m going to use these Games as experience for future ones.“I prefer the 200 metres event because of the different techniques used throughout the race.“My grandparents Barbara and Cyril Cooper purchased my track chair for me and I’ve had incredible support for my travelling expenses to competitions from MAAC Running Club, RenRe, Fast Forward Bicycle Works Team and many other kind friends and family.”Lewis was the first Bermudian to compete at the ParaPan American Games last year in Mexico, racing in the 100, 200 and 400 metres.She leaves for London next week.