Paralympic swimming champion Jessica Long recently sat down with Kelly Clarkson to discuss her incredible journey, from competing in her sixth Paralympic Games to training alongside the legendary Michael Phelps and releasing her latest children’s book, “The Mermaid With No Tail.”
Reflecting on Six Paralympic Games
Jessica, a 16-time Paralympic gold medalist, shared with Kelly how much the Paralympics have grown since her first appearance in Athens 2004 at just 12 years old.
“It’s incredible to see how much the Paralympics have evolved,” Jessica told Kelly. “When I started, we were still fighting for visibility. Now, these Games are on the world’s stage like never before.”
As she prepares for Paris 2024, Jessica emphasized how her approach to competition has shifted over the years.
“I’m still pushing myself every day, but I’ve also learned to appreciate the journey. This time, I want to soak in every moment.”
Training with Michael Phelps
Kelly was eager to hear about Jessica’s training experience with Olympic legend Michael Phelps, one of the greatest swimmers of all time.
“Michael has always been someone I’ve looked up to,” Jessica said. “Training with him, I’ve learned so much about discipline, mental toughness, and what it takes to stay at the top of your game.”
Mentoring a Fellow Swimmer
During the interview, Jessica also opened up about her role as a mentor to Ali, a former Yale swimmer who lost her foot in a tragic shark attack. Jessica’s guidance has been a beacon of hope for Ali as she adjusts to her new reality.
“Ali’s strength is unbelievable,” Jessica shared. “She’s facing something incredibly difficult, but I’ve been honored to support her through it. Losing a limb doesn’t mean losing your dreams.”
Her New Book: “The Mermaid With No Tail”
Jessica also introduced her latest children’s book, “The Mermaid With No Tail”, a story that encourages kids—especially those with disabilities—to embrace their differences and discover their inner strength.
“I never had a book like this growing up,” Jessica told Kelly. “I wanted to create something that helps kids see themselves as powerful and capable, no matter what challenges they face.”
A Lasting Legacy
As Jessica Long continues to inspire on the Paralympic stage and beyond, her message is clear: resilience, passion, and belief in oneself can lead to incredible achievements.
“It’s not just about winning medals,” Jessica said. “It’s about showing the next generation that they can do anything. If I can inspire just one young athlete, then I’ve done my job.”
Jessica’s appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show was yet another reminder of why she remains one of the most inspiring figures in Paralympic history.
