Jessica Long Achieves Historic 30th Paralympic Swimming Medal, Reflects on Two Decades of Commitment
Jessica Long Achieves Historic 30th Paralympic Swimming Medal, Reflects on Two Decades of Commitment
In a remarkable display of perseverance and dedication, Jessica Long of Team USA has secured her 30th Paralympic swimming medal, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Following her triumphant performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Ms. Long participated in an exclusive interview with Olympics.com, during which she candidly shared her reflections on her extensive journey through the world of Para swimming.
Having begun her remarkable career at the tender age of 12 with a gold medal win in the 400m freestyle S8 at the Athens 2004 Games, Ms. Long has amassed an impressive total of 17 gold, 8 silver, and 5 bronze medals across six Paralympic appearances. Despite her immense success, Ms. Long disclosed that the years leading up to the Paris Games were among the most challenging she had ever faced, both in terms of training and mental motivation. “I found myself questioning the purpose of competing,” she stated. “After achieving so many goals, I was left wondering, ‘What is next?'”
In this interview, Ms. Long emphasized the importance of resilience and personal growth, particularly noting the value of simply participating in competitions. Inspired by her fellow competitor Alice Tai, she articulated a profound realization: “For me, it is paramount to just show up.” This mentality proved pivotal in her journey, especially when facing adversities in early competitions at Paris, where she secured a sixth place and a fourth place before finally winning gold in the 400-meter freestyle.
Reflecting on the evolution of the Paralympic movement over her two-decade-long career, Ms. Long noted the significant progress made in terms of visibility and recognition. She recalled the initial lack of awareness surrounding the Paralympics during her youth, stating, “At the age of 12, very few people even knew about the Paralympics. It has always been my aspiration to elevate the Paralympic movement and highlight the essence of Paralympic sports.” Long credited the influential “Superhuman” campaign during the 2012 London Games for contributing to the growing prominence of the Paralympic movement.
During her interviews, Ms. Long also paid homage to pioneering athletes who paved the way for future generations, highlighting Erin Popovich as a longstanding inspiration. “Erin was not only a competitor but also a role model. She achieved an extraordinary 14 Paralympic gold medals, setting a benchmark for all of us to aspire to. I will forever cherish the moment I surpassed her gold medal count, as it was a testament to her extensive influence on my journey.”
Looking forward, Ms. Long is committed to making an impact at the upcoming LA 2028 Paralympic Games, viewing it as an opportunity not only to conclude her competitive career but also to inspire future athletes. “Swimming is both a passion and a challenge for me. I relish the notion that I am still learning even after two decades of competition. I believe that if one feels they have fully mastered their craft, they may miss the chance for growth.”
As Ms. Long prepares for her final events at Paris 2024, including the highly anticipated 100m butterfly-S8, she remains focused on her love for the sport and the excitement of competing on home soil during LA 2028. She concluded with a hopeful sentiment: “The prospect of the spectators supporting the Paralympics in the United States fills me with enthusiasm. I aspire to conclude my career with a remarkable performance, and I hope to see notable figures such as Michael Phelps at the Games.”
Through her commitment and passion for swimming, Jessica Long continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration within the Paralympic community, demonstrating that the journey is as valuable as the achievements.
It is with great anticipation that we look forward to witnessing her continued legacy in the years to come.
Post Comment