Jessica Lewis is “over the moon” after flirting with the world record on the way to claiming the gold medal in the Women’s T53 100 metres at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Switzerland last weekend.

The 33-year-old led the seven-strong field across the line in a personal-best time of 15.22sec, which was just two hundredths of a second shy of the world record held by Catherine Debrunner, of Switzerland, whom Lewis pipped for the win in an exciting photo finish.

Hamide Dogangun, of Turkey, crossed in third to secure the bronze medal and complete the podium.

Lewis, the top-ranked female T53 sprinter in the world, is thrilled over her outstanding performance which has bolstered her confidence and inspired her to go even faster.

“I am over the moon and still so thrilled with my 100m race in Switzerland,” Lewis told The Royal Gazette.

“To be that close to the world record gives me so much motivation and confidence in myself to see how much faster I can get.

“It was such a fun race and battle with Catherine Debrunner, who is the world record-holder. She has been so supportive of me during the racing series and is thrilled to have a great challenge with me. I’m looking forward to many more races with her.”

Lewis is reaping the benefits of hard work and changes to her racing equipment.

“We’ve made a lot of changes to my equipment with a new knee bucket that secures my position in my chair more,” she said.

“I switched to a different style of glove and we focused on building a lot of strength and hand speed in training, so it is an incredible feeling to see all those changes and hard work pay off.”

The Brock University graduate also earned a bronze medal in the T53 400 metres (54.93) and 200 metres and recorded several new personal bests at this year’s championships.

The World Para Athletics Grand Prix has proven to be happy hunting ground for Lewis over the years having won multiple medals at the event competing in various T53 disciplines.

In 2024, the past Female Athlete of the Year also broke the 100m T53 Americas record at the event that had stood for 27 years when crossing the line in 16.12sec, which she has since lowered.