Born in Siberia with fibular hemimelia, Jessica Long was adopted from a Russian orphanage at thirteen months old and has since become the second most decorated U.S. Paralympic athlete of all time.
Content Note
The moment I won my first Gold -- The moment I became a Long -- The moment I learned to walk with prostheses -- The moment I discovered water -- The moment I was surrounded by people like me -- The moment I became a professional athlete -- The moment I won an ESPY -- The moment I failed -- The moment I claimed my independence -- The moment I first spoke to a crowd -- The moment I first modeled -- The moment I fell in love with swimming all over again -- The moment I lost my confidence -- The moment I found peace -- The moment I returned home -- The moment I returned to Russia -- The moment I met my Russian family -- The moment I finally won Gold in Rio -- The moment I accepted me.