Jessica Long

Jessica Long is an 18x Paralympic champion, 31x Paralympic medalist, and the most decorated active U.S. Paralympian. Adopted from a Russian orphanage as a toddler, she went on to become one of the most accomplished swimmers in Paralympic history. Jessica is also a 4x ESPY winner, author, and advocate for disability awareness and adoption.

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At a Glance

Sport

Para Swimming

Hometown

Baltimore, Maryland

Current Residence

Baltimore, Maryland

About

Adopted from a Russian orphanageat 13 months old
Born with fibular hemimelia, herlegs were amputated below the knees at 18 months old
Began competitively swimming atage 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 (2022, 2013, 2012, 2007)
Named to Sports Illustrated’s “The World’s Best Female Athletes"
Twice named Disabled Swimmer ofthe Year by Swimming World Magazine (2011, 2006)
77th AAU James E. Sullivan Award winner
Emmys Presenter (2021)
Strong advocate for disability awareness, adoption, and women’s leadership
Author of “Beyond the Surface” (2024), the children’s book, “The Mermaid with No Tail” (2023), and “Unsinkable: From Russian Orphan to Paralympic Swimming World Champion” (2018)

Accolades

Most Decorated Active U.S. Paralympian

18x Paralympic Champion and 31x Paralympic Medalist

World Champion

37x World Champion and 54x World Championship Medalist

ESPY Award Winner

4x ESPY Winner for Best Female Athlete with a Disability (2022, 2013, 2012, 2007)

Jessica Long

At a Glance

About

Accolades

Most Decorated Active U.S. Paralympian

World Champion

ESPY Award Winner

In the News

Bellisario Student Media

People.com

People Magazine