Most Decorated Active Paralympian in the U.S.

4x ESPY Winner

Author

Jessica Long

Jessica Long, the most decorated active Paralympian in the U.S., is also an author, speaker, advocate, and sports personality. She overcame physical challenges from birth to become one of the most accomplished athletes in U.S. history. She has secured her place among the world’s best for nearly two decades, amassing 18 gold, eight silver, and five bronze medals as a five-time Paralympian. Jessica’s inspiring journey resonates with people worldwide, and her impactful work extends beyond the pool.

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AT A GLANCE

Sport

Para Swimming

Hometown

Baltimore, MD

Current Residence

Colorado Springs, CO

Olympic Medals

18

8

5

About Jessica

  • Adopted from a Russian orphanage at 13 months old 
  • Born with fibular hemimelia, her legs were amputated below the knees at 18 months old 
  • Began competitively swimming at age 10 
  • Made her international debut at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games at age 12, where she was the youngest athlete on the U.S. Paralympic swim team  
  • 4x ESPY Winner for Best Female Athlete with a Disability (2007, 2012, 2013, 2022) 
  • Named to Sports Illustrated’s “The World’s Best Female Athletes” 
  • Twice named Disabled Swimmer of the Year by Swimming World magazine (2006, 2011)  
  • 77th AAU James E. Sullivan Award winner 
  • Emmys Presenter (2021) 
  • Strong advocate for disability awareness, adoption, and women’s leadership 
  • Author of “Unsinkable: From Russian Orphan to Paralympic Swimming World Champion” (2018), children’s book “The Mermaid With No Tail” (2023), and “Beyond the Surface” (2024) 

IN THE NEWS

Accolades

  • Most decorated active Paralympian in the U.S.
  • 6x Paralympian (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
  • 18x Paralympic Champion
    • 2024: 400m freestyle, 100m butterfly; 2020: 100m butterfly, 200m IM, 4x100m medley relay; 2016: 200m IM; 2012: 100m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 100m butterfly, 200m IM, 400m freestyle; 2008: 100m freestyle, 100m butterfly, 200m IM, 400m freestyle; 2004: 100m freestyle, 400m freestyle, 34 pt. 4x100m freestyle
  • 31x Paralympic medalist (18 gold, 8 silver, 5 bronze)
  • 8x World Championship participant (2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2023)
  • 54x World Championship medalist (37 gold, 15 silver, 2 bronze)
MEDIA

Books

The Mermaid With No Tail

Beyond The Surface

Testimonial

“Jess Long was a remarkable addition to our recent internal event. Her presentation on overcoming obstacles and staying motivated in the face of challenges – both in her personal life and Paralympic pursuits – was truly inspiring.”

Chris Fox

President, Novartis Gene Therapies

GAllery

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