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Faith, family propel Long
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BALTIMORE (Map, News) - With the smell of chlorine in the air, Jessica Long pauses to reflect. Before strapping on her goggles or stepping onto the platform, she quietly reads a verse from the New Testament’s Book of Philippians before jumping into the pool.
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
For the 15-year-old paralympic swimmer from Middle River, these words have provided the motivation for her earning 14 world records and nine gold medals at the 2006 World Championships in South Africa.
“One day I was in Bible study and I remember hearing the verse, and it said I can do all things; that meant I can win as many gold medals as I want to,” Long said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today and accomplished what I have if I didn’t have God with me.”
She will try to add to her medal count when she competes in seven events at next summer’s Paralympic Games in Beijing.
“I still haven’t gotten all the medals that I want. I want to bring them all home,” she said. “I’m going to go for the impossible.”
And in Beijing, her parents will be in the stands, cheering — just as they have been in South Africa, Germany and Greece, sites of her other competitions. Steve and Beth Long adopted Jessica and her brother from Siberia in 1993 when she was 13 months old. Born without fibulas, ankles or heels, her legs were amputated below the knee when she was 18 months old.
“We thought she might be immobile.” Beth Long said. “Little did we know, she was all over the place. She wouldn’t stay in the crib.”
Jessica said she remembers rolling around the floor and doing flips. Her parents told her one time she climbed onto the refrigerator.
“She was unstoppable,” Beth said.
Her brothers and sisters attend as many events as they can. Jessica’s older sister, Amanda, traveled with her to Los Angeles two weeks ago for ESPN’s annual ESPY Award ceremonies, where she was named Best Female Athlete with a Disability.
The trip will make a great chapter in her autobiography, which will tell the story of a Russian girl and her brother who were adopted by a couple who could no longer have children of their own. The girl grew up to be one of the best swimmers in the world and inspired disabled and able-bodied children.
“I think God planned all of this,” she said. “I want everybody to know they can do anything.”
