Jessica Lewis has been praised for her performance at the 2012 Paralympics in London by Bermuda Premier Paul Cox.Lewis, who finished eighth in the T53 100, 200 and 400 metre finals, is the Island’s first wheelchair athlete to compete at the Paralympics.Premier Cox said: “Jessica has represented our Island and Team Bermuda 2012 with pride and honour.“Her participation in this year’s London Paralympic Games has certainly inspired all of Bermuda. And I am of the view that we can all learn something from her strength and perseverance.“We recognise that the qualifying standards for these particular games were rigourous and demanding, so it is wonderful that our very own Jessica Lewis succeeded in reaching this historical goal.“The Olympic and Paralympic Games are considered the pinnacle of international sporting events. And as I noted when I returned from the London Olympics several weeks ago, we recognise that greatness does not just happen overnight. There are building blocks that must be put in place. So, this Government is proud to support our Bermudians in their athletic pursuits towards reaching these games.“On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to young Jessica, for her courage and sportsmanship. I’m sure we have not heard the last from Ms Lewis and we look forward to seeing even greater accomplishments from this talented Bermudian athlete in the future.”Lewis’ mother Lorrie said: “This has been an amazing experience. We are all tired but exhilarated and we have our sights on Rio, 2016.”