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Celebrating Champions: Jessica Long’s Journey in Paralympic Swimming

Summer 2024 marks a significant milestone in sports, being heralded as the *Summer of Champions*. In this exciting season, we focus on incredible athletes and the stories that shape the high-stakes events of the Paris Olympics and the U.S. Open. Among the standout figures is swimmer Jessica Long, who made headlines when she debuted at the 2004 Athens Paralympics by securing three gold medals at just 12 years old. Now at 32, she is preparing for her sixth Paralympic Games and boasts an impressive collection of 29 medals, solidifying her status as one of the most decorated athletes in the Paralympic movement.

Long extends her influence beyond the pool as a speaker and author, having penned a children’s book and her latest work, Beyond The Surface: A Gold Medalist’s Guide To Finding And Loving Yourself. Her narrative was even featured in a heartfelt Super Bowl ad from Toyota, which depicted her life story, including her adoption from Siberia and her journey as a double amputee swimmer. Long recognizes the platform her visibility provides and is committed to leveraging it for greater awareness of Paralympic sports.

“I want the Paralympics swimming movement to grow even more than it has,” Long expressed, emphasizing the need for advocacy within the sports community. She is particularly passionate about enhancing the visibility of the Paralympics, advocating for more primetime coverage and increased funding for athletes. While progress has been made, including equal pay for medals introduced during the Tokyo Olympics, Long believes there is still much work to be done in elevating the profile of Paralympic athletes and events.

“That’s kind of been my hope since I was a little girl, that people know what the Paralympics are,” Long reflects. “The word ‘para’ means ‘parallel’ to the Olympic Games. We share the same space and the stories are phenomenal.” Her commitment to raising awareness is driven by a vision for future generations where the Paralympics receive equal recognition and appreciation.

Long’s Keys to Success

To maintain her competitive edge, Long attributes much of her success to holistic wellness practices that go beyond her physical training. “What are we doing outside of the pool that matters?” she questions, highlighting the importance of recovery and mental health.

Muscle Recovery

Facing concerns about overuse injuries due to her rigorous training regimen, Long harnessed the power of percussive therapy devices like Theragun to support her recovery. She recalls, “Theragun and Therabody have actually been life changing. I would not still be here if it wasn’t for [the Theragun].” This focus on recovery has been pivotal for her endurance as an athlete, particularly as she utilizes her upper body strength as an amputee swimmer.

Importance of Magnesium for Sleep

Long also emphasizes the value of magnesium in her wellness routine, crediting it with significantly improving her sleep quality. “Whenever I take magnesium, it’s probably the deepest sleep I have,” she notes, reinforcing the nutrient’s role in promoting relaxation and restorative rest. While she prefers Usana supplements, she reminds fans of the natural sources of magnesium found in foods such as avocados, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds.

“Me Dates” for Mental Wellness

To ensure her mental wellness, Long indulges in what she calls “me dates,” personal time dedicated to activities that bring her joy. From Epsom salt baths to shopping trips, she invests time in herself to recharge. “Taking care of myself is probably the best way to describe ‘me dates,’” Long explains. She emphasizes that self-care is fundamental in order to give her best performance both in and out of the pool.

“Life moves at such a fast pace, but every once in a while I realize like, ‘Oh my gosh, slow down,’” Long shares, underscoring the necessity of self-care. “You have to take care of yourself first before you can give to others.” As the Summer of Champions approaches, Jessica Long stands out as a beacon of inspiration, advocating for awareness, visibility, and the profound stories that define the spirit of the Paralympics.

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