Ms. Namita Nayyar: How did you feel before and after when in 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece you won three gold medals in swimming. Aged just twelve at the time, you being the youngest competitor on the U.S. Paralympic Team?
Ms. Jessica Long: I honestly was shocked I made the team at twelve. I was ranked 10th in the world and was not expected to make the team, let along come home from the Paralympic Games with three gold medals. I remember not being nervous one bit. I just knew I was swimming races and that’s what I loved to do. The whole experience was phenomenal. Being on the Paralympic team has really shaped me into the person I am today. I am not ashamed of my legs and I never will be.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Jessica Long: Besides swimming 10 practices a week, I cross train by lifting weights, doing yoga, etc. Since I am missing the lower half of both my legs, running is especially hard. I do the elliptical to get maximum strength in my legs.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Jessica Long: Being an elite athlete you can’t eat bad food and expect to perform well. I try to put the healthiest foods into my body to perform at my very best. I absolutely love oatmeal with almond butter and frozen blueberries for breakfast. It’s my favorite!
Ms. Namita Nayyar: You have glowing skin and gorgeous hairs. Do you take some kind of skin treatment to keep it young and glowing and secondly what you do to your hairs to make them look so stunning?
Ms. Jessica Long: Thank you! I take Nutrilite vitamins to maintain healthy skin. I love their hair, skin, and nails vitamin. Being a swimmer, I am constantly stuffing my hair into a cap. To replenish the ends of my hair, I use Moroccan oil. I’ve notice a huge difference since I starting using it.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding Paralympic swimming girls who all are your fans, they shall like to know from you, what they should do for their climb to ladder of success in the field of competitive Paralympic swimming?
Ms. Jessica Long: If you are truly passionate about this sport or any other sport, you have to practice. Give it your all and don’t let anyone talk you into giving up on your dream. I also want young girls to realize how beautiful they are with or without a disability. They should never be ashamed of being different and unique.
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