Jessica Lewis (Wheelchair ParaAthlete) took part in several early track meets in the US and Canada in her continuing bid to enter the Parlympics, 2012. At the Desert Challenge in Mesa, Arizona, she was first across the line in all three of her races - 100m, 200m & 400m. She attained another Personal Best in her 100m -- AND reached the A Standard in the 200m so, London, here she comes!
Lewis previously made history at the 2011 Parapan American Games in Mexico when she became the first ever track and field athlete to represent Bermuda at a major para-sport Championships.
Lewis’ race season officially began in St. Laurent, Montreal on April 28th, Lewis said, “It was a very cold and windy day but I didn't let that stop me. I competed in the 100m, 200m and 400m races. The tail wind was too strong in my 100m race so my time didn't count. My 400m time was 1:24.22, which isn't my best, but the wind was crazy strong! However, the wind was legal in my 200m and I managed to get the London Paralympic B standard!! My time was 36.09 seconds and the B standard is 37.50 seconds. This time now brings me to only being 1.09 seconds off the A standard for the Paralympics which will guarantee me a spot for London! This was a great start to the track season!”
“My second race was this past weekend on May 12th in Tampa Florida. It was called Dixie Games. I was excited for this race because it was the first race I competed in 3 years ago so it brought back great memories. This race was a success just like the first one. I came first in all 3 of my races (100m, 200m & 400m). I also got a 2 second Personal Best in my 400m. My previous time was 1:12.40 and my new time is 1:10.70. This new time brings me to only being .70 of a second away from the B standard for London. Once I get the standard of 1minute 10 seconds flat, I will have the B standard in all 3 of my events. I'm so excited and proud of how far I have come,” continued Lewis.
“Then came the moment in the Desert Challenge, what an AMAZING night of racing, Three Gold Medals Personal Best) in the 100m, and the LONDON 2012 PARALYMPIC 'A' STANDARD in the 200M (33.81 seconds - the A is 35 seconds)!!!!!!!!!!! London here I come ! I am looking forward to representing Bermuda as the first-ever Paralympic wheelchair athlete at the Paralympics in late August/early September,” concluded Lewis.
