Jessica Long Going for More Gold

Born in Russia, Jessica was adopted by Steve and Beth Long. Jessica was born with fibular hemimelia, meaning she never developed most of the bones from her knees down. Adopted at 13 months, Jessica moved to the United States and had her legs amputated at 18 months. Last weekend, we caught up with Jessica in the Chicago leg of the Road to Rio Tour. Long, who has won 19 Olympic medals, chatted about her first games in Athens, preparing for Rio, and what she likes to do in her downtime.

(Pre)Teenage Dream

Long remembers her first Olympics as a crazy experience. At 12 years old, Long was the youngest member of USA Swimming in the 2004 Paralympics. Although she was somewhat doubtful she would make the team, Jessica was determined to try. Her parents tried to prepare Jessica for disappointment, telling her instead to aim for the 2008 games, “I was just so stubborn, and I ended up going (to Athens),” reflected Jessica.

Her age likely protected Jessica from feeling so much pressure her first games, “I wasn’t nervous, I was just really excited! I was away from my parents, I was eating ice cream most of the days,” admits Long. Despite her freedom, she secured three gold medals in her first games. In the finals leading up to her first medal, Long recalls being fifth at the turn. However, her stubborn will was unaffected by the enormity of the moment or her newfound freedom, “I remember as a 12 year-old saying, ‘I did not come here to get second.’ When we touched the wall, I (won) by a tenth of a second.”

No Days Off

Long shared that training for the games is challenging. While she enjoy the support and recognition leading up to the games, there is a lot of hard work that comes years before qualifiers. “It’s not like this year (us athletes) decided to train really hard. It’s been four years of really, really tough training. Even two years ago, three years ago, I was still being cautious of what I was doing to by body for Rio.” Long will be swimming in nine events during the paralympics in Rio.

That often means other sacrifices as well. Such a rigorous training schedule doesn't always leave time leisure. While her parents or brothers will discuss movies and travel, Long is focused on training and competitions for most of the year.

Striking Balance

Although Long still has lofty goals for Rio, she is also aware of the need for balance. Jessica and her boyfriend Lucas like to enjoy simple things, such as dressing up and going to dinner or taking in a movie. Hikes and the occasional ice cream are also on the list.

Free time also allows Jessica to spend time with her family. She is one of six children and the opportunity to be home in Maryland with family is her favorite way to spend any downtime.

More than Medals

While Jessica looks forward to arriving in Brazil, as well as getting some rest after the games, she still has her mind focused, “I want to be the greatest Paralympian ... so that drives me.”

In addition to the personal accomplishment that would be, Long also feels that the more successful she is, the more she can inspire others. “It’s really amazing to win gold medals, but some of my best memories are when a little girl who just lost her leg from cancer … come up to me and tells me she want to be like me, that’s what is all about; having an impact on their lives.”

Root for Jessica and the rest of Team USA as they compete in Brazil this summer. The 2016 Paralympic Games will be held from September 7th to September 18th.

Follow Erica Ayala on Twitter @elindsay08