There was delight for Jessica Lewis as she set a season-best of 58.90sec to secure a place in the final of the women’s 400m T53/54 combined race at the Commonwealth Games.

Racing in the second of two heats, Bermuda’s most decorated para-athlete stormed around the first bend to challenge for the lead.

She finished second, narrowly pipped to the finish by Noemi Alphonse, of Mauritius, who clocked 58.31. Her time was the fourth fastest of the eight qualifiers.

“That was really good. I wasn't expecting second,” said Lewis.

In her heat she was drawn in lane four, with three athletes on her outside and one on the inside at the Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow.

“Four is definitely my lucky number ― my favourite lane, so I was really excited to see that.”

She made a fast start before turning onto the back straight.

“Then there was headwind for 250 metres of it, so I'm like, ‘just keep it moving quick,’ and then the tailwind hit. It was nice.

“I was going for that. But definitely, I’ve just got to get a good night of rest and be ready for the final.”

Lewis is a four-times Paralympian, multi-champion at the Parapan Am Games and bronze medal winner at the 2015 IPC Atheltic Championships. But this is her first time at a Commonwealth Games.

“Usually they only have 1,500 and the marathon and that's really far for me, so I’m glad that the 400 was here this year.”

She has enjoyed the experience.

“It's been awesome, so much fun. Everyone is so welcoming. I've had a great time and finally I’m glad that I've started to race now.”

The fastest qualifier from today’s heats was Scotland’s Melanie Woods in 56.74.

The final will be held on Saturday at 3.30pm Bermuda time.