Jessica Long Announces Retirement After Stellar Paralympic Career
Jessica Long, one of the most decorated athletes in Paralympic history, has officially announced her retirement from competitive swimming following a remarkable career spanning two decades. The 32-year-old swimmer, who first burst onto the global stage at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens at the age of 12, leaves behind a legacy unmatched in the world of adaptive sports.
Long, who was born in Siberia with fibular hemimelia—a condition that led to the amputation of both her legs below the knee—rose to prominence not only for her sheer athletic prowess but also for her role in bringing Paralympic sports into the mainstream. Over her career, Long amassed an astonishing 29 Paralympic medals, 16 of which were gold, and added 37 world championship titles to her name, making her one of the most successful Paralympians of all time.
Her retirement announcement comes shortly after her final competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where she added three more medals to her already extensive collection. In a heartfelt statement, Long reflected on her career, saying, “Swimming has been my passion and purpose for as long as I can remember. It has given me everything—discipline, joy, challenges, and a platform to inspire others. But now, it’s time for me to step back and let the next generation of athletes take the spotlight.”
Long’s influence extended beyond the pool. She became a familiar face in American households through her powerful presence in television advertising, most notably in a 2021 Super Bowl commercial that chronicled her adoption from a Russian orphanage and her journey to becoming a Paralympic champion. Her story of perseverance and triumph resonated with millions, making her a beloved figure in sports and beyond.
In addition to her sporting achievements, Long was the first Paralympian to win the prestigious James E. Sullivan Award, given annually to the USA’s top amateur athlete, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the world of adaptive sports. She also won four ESPY awards, cementing her status as a major figure in American sports culture.
Looking ahead, Long expressed excitement about her future endeavors, which include advocacy for adaptive sports, motivational speaking, and spending time with her family. “I’m excited for what comes next,” she said. “I want to continue to make a difference in the world, whether that’s through advocating for greater opportunities in sports for people with disabilities, sharing my story to inspire others, or simply enjoying life with my loved ones.”
As the world bids farewell to Jessica Long’s competitive career, her impact on the Paralympic movement and her contributions to changing perceptions of disability in sports will be felt for generations to come.
