The media site and nonprofit organization I Am Second announced that they have made a film in collaboration with 23-time Paralympic medalist Jessica Long. It highlights her journey beginning with being adopted from Serbia by an American family to becoming a Paralympic gold medalist. Long, 28, has competed in four Paralympic Games, the most recent being Rio in 2016.
I Am Second announced the movie on their Twitter account last week. In their description for the movie, they highlight Long’s career, stating, “How does a girl with congenital defects in her legs born to a teenage mother in Siberia become one of the most decorated female athletes in US history? And what does that same young woman, achieving unprecedented success in Paralympics swimming, do when she realizes that despite the outward honors and endorsements deals, she’s still filled with anger and brokenness on the inside?”
“Such is Jessica Long’s story. Told with her trademark passion and energy, her journey shows a love that conquers anger and brings her a bigger triumph than any of her gold medals.”
NEW FILM: How does a girl with congenital defects, born to a teen mom in Siberia, become one of the most decorated female athletes in US history? And what does she do when, after it all, she’s still filled with anger and brokenness?
Watch @JessicaLong at https://t.co/LyaiIwtslc. pic.twitter.com/OeZQDxrfbO— I Am Second (@iamsecond) April 22, 2020
Long was born in Serbia, but was adopted at thirteen months old and brought to live in the United States. As a child, Long had her legs amputated due to the fact that she was born with fibular hemimelia. After joining a local swim team at the age of 10, she has enjoyed a historical career, winning 23 Paralympic medals, including 13 gold, 52 World Championship medals, and multiple world records. Additionally, she has won 3 ESPY awards from the ESPN network for “Best Female Athlete With a Disability”. This year, Long was set to chase her fifth Paralympic berth, while looking to defend her 200 IM gold from 2016.
The organization “I Am Second” provides a media network for inspirational stories. Founded in 2008, it has grown to host over 130 films that have been watched by people in 230 different countries. On their website, they mention that the site is designed to allow viewers to “Watch, read and connect with a community of people who have discovered a different way of living. Experience real stories of real people who tried to curate a perfect narrative but instead found true peace in authentic identity. When they were lonely and overwhelmed, radical love stepped into that raw place and offered hope.”
The film can be viewed below: