U.S. Paralympic Swimmer Jessica Long On Team Dynamics

When U.S. Paralympic swimmer Jessica Long, 20, was 18 months old, her legs were amputated as a result of fibular hemimelia, a congenital lack of a crucial leg bone. Throughout her childhood and swimming career, Long has had to endure many surgeries on her legs. Yet despite her trials and tribulations, she has not let that stop her from doing what she wants to do. “There are just so many different things that can come, and you never know. Anything can happen,” she told Uinterview exclusively. “So it’s really just looking past it and just understanding it’s all part of a plan.” Born in Siberia and adopted at 13 months and raised in Baltimore, Md., Long’s resume is both extensive and impressive. She currently holds 20 world records, and in 2007 was the winner of the distinguished AAU Sullivan Award, given to the nation’s top amateur athlete. “I didn’t even prepare a speech or anything. It wasn’t like I went thinking, ‘Oh there’s a chance I could win,’” she told the Washington Post. “I never expected them to pick me.” The 2012 Paralympic Games in London, England will be Long’s third. Already a winner of seven gold medals, Long says she will be looking forward to enjoying the experience. “You know, most of this will be the last Paralympic Games of the people I’ve grown up with my whole life,” she told Uinterview. “So I just want to enjoy the team dynamic and take as many pictures as possible.”