The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games started on Tuesday, August 24. There are many talented athletes to watch and American swimmer Jessica Long is one of them. The 29 year-old is an inspiration to many people, as she has overcome many obstacles in her life.
Long will be competing in her fifth straight Paralympic Games, where she will attempt to win more medals in swimming. She has competed in several events during her career, being a specialist in different strokes such as freestyle, backstroke and butterfly.
Due to her level of success, Long has been named the Paralympic Sports Woman of the Year (2012), and she has earned many recognitions during her career. Here, check out her story, how many medals she has and how much is her net worth.
What is Jessica Long’s story?
Jessica Long was born in 1992 in Irkutsk in Siberia, Russia. When she was 13 month-old, she was adopted by American parents and was raised in Maryland. She was born with fibular hemimelia, a condition in which her legs lacked fibulas, ankles and foot bones.
When she was 18 months old, her legs were amputated below the knees so she could be fitted with prosthetic legs and learn how to walk. However, that didn’t stop her to show interest in sports, as she tried gymnastics, basketball, cheerleading, ice skating, biking, running, and rock climbing.
She finally decided to practice swimming, as it was less harmful to her legs. She made her debut at the Paralympic Games in Athens, at age 12 and she won three medals to launch her career. In 2013, she returned to Russia and met her biological parents.
Jessica Long in the London 2012 Paralympics (Getty)
How much is Jessica Long’s net worth?
Long has endorsement deals with several brands such as Coca Cola, Toyota, Usana, Samsung, Therabody, Arena, Bridgestone, got milk?, Dr. Teals and United. While her net worth hasn’t been publicly revealed, according to the website Gossip Gist, it could be an estimated $10 million.
How many medals does Jessica Long have?
Long has won 23 Paralympic Medals, 13 of gold, 6 silver and 4 bronze. She is the second-most decorated Paralympian in U.S. history. Her most successful year at the Paralympic Games was 2012, when she won eight medals.
