Jessica Long: Paralympian Legend
Jessica Long inspires audiences with her record-setting Paralympic career, powerful resilience story, and unwavering advocacy for inclusion, determination, and human potential.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- One of America’s most decorated Paralympic champions with 23 medals
- Author, keynote speaker, and global advocate for disability inclusion
- Adopted from Siberia; bilateral amputee from 18 months old
- Known for her compelling storytelling, resilience insights, and purpose-driven leadership
- Formats: Keynote Speaker and Paralympic Champion
- Audiences: Corporate teams, leadership groups, schools, healthcare organizations, women’s leadership events, and audiences seeking inspiration through resilience and inclusion.
- Outcomes:
- Tools for cultivating resilience in challenging environments
- Empowering reframes for adversity, identity, and possibility
- Renewed motivation to pursue goals with clarity, courage, and purpose
- Travels from: Baltimore, MD
- **Fee range: On Request
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
LEADERSHIP
- StrongHER: How women are uniquely positioned for leadership
- Consistency: How creating positive, healthy environments can lead to amazing results
- Ownership: How to own your future by making changes today
- Diversity & Inclusion: Why it’s important to reflect on our differences, and how to best meet everyone where they are.
MINDSET
- Mindset: How to develop a tough mindset to withstand anything
- Pain into Purpose: How Jessica turned pain into purpose and how you can too
- Growth: How to embrace change for a better tomorrow
- Resiliency: How scar tissue serves as reminder our bodies and minds are more powerful than we could ever imagine
- Positivity: What the power of positivity means to getting what you want out of life
INSPIRATION
- Jessica’s story: How a child from Siberia, with the odds stacked against her, became a champion
- Secrets to success: How to make your future different than your today begins with your perspective
- Finding your passion: What passion means and how to create it
- Goal setting: What it means to make big goals and how to boldly chase after them
Talent Short Bio
Jessica Long is one of the most decorated Paralympic athletes in history, a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and global advocate for resilience and inclusion. Born in Siberia with congenital defects in her legs and adopted at thirteen months old, Jessica underwent bilateral leg amputations at eighteen months due to fibular hemimelia. Rather than allowing her circumstances to define her, she developed an extraordinary sense of determination that fueled her rise to elite sport. Supported by her adoptive family, she embraced challenge as opportunity and began a journey that would make her a legend in Paralympic swimming.
Across a career spanning more than a decade, Jessica has earned twenty-three Paralympic medals, including thirteen gold, six silver, and four bronze, solidifying her place among the most accomplished female athletes in US history. Her story extends far beyond the pool. As a speaker and advocate, Jessica uses her platform to champion disability representation, inclusion, and the power of perseverance. Through keynote stages, media appearances, and her candid writing, she empowers audiences to face adversity with courage, pursue meaningful goals, and embrace every part of their identity.
Read Full Bio
Jessica Long is not just a name; it’s a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit. As one of America’s most decorated Paralympic champions, a captivating speaker, accomplished author, tireless advocate, and revered sports personality, Jessica Long’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Born into challenging circumstances in the Siberian cold, burdened by congenital defects in her legs, and placed for adoption at just 13 months old, Jessica’s early life was marked by adversity. However, her story is not one of defeat but rather triumph over adversity, showcasing the remarkable heights one can reach with unwavering determination and belief in oneself.
From the moment her legs were amputated below the knee at a tender 18 months old due to a rare bone disorder known as fibular hemimelia, Jessica Long defied the odds. Supported by her loving adopted family, she refused to let her physical differences dictate the course of her life. Instead, she embraced her challenges as opportunities for growth and pursued her dreams relentlessly.
Over the years, Jessica Long has not only conquered the waters as a Paralympic swimming champion but has also emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration for people worldwide. Her resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit have propelled her to the pinnacle of her sport, earning her a place among the most revered female athletes in US history.
Her illustrious career as a Paralympic swimmer spans over a decade, during which she has amassed an impressive collection of medals and accolades. With 23 Paralympic medals to her name, including 13 gold, 6 silver, and 4 bronze, Jessica stands as one of the most decorated athletes in Paralympic history.
As a sought-after motivational speaker, Jessica has captivated audiences at corporate events, educational institutions, and community gatherings, sharing her journey of resilience and empowerment. Through her powerful storytelling and infectious enthusiasm, she empowers others to embrace their unique strengths, pursue their goals with unwavering determination, and never lose sight of their dreams.
Jessica Long’s story captured the hearts of millions when it was featured in one of the most well-received Super Bowl commercials of 2021. The commercial not only highlighted her remarkable journey but also showcased the deep connections she shares with her partners, further cementing her status as a beloved sports personality and inspirational figure.
View further Motivational Speakers and follow us on LinkedIn
Talent Videos
Jessica Long | Team USA Paralympics Feature by Sports Illustrated
A concise Sports Illustrated spotlight on Jessica Long as she prepares for her fourth Paralympic Games, highlighting her early start, global dominance, and motivation for Rio 2016.
Video Summary & Key Moments
In this short Sports Illustrated feature, Jessica Long reflects on a Paralympic career that began when she was just twelve years old. She shares her excitement and determination as she prepares for her fourth Games in Rio, building on the momentum of her standout performance in London, where she won five gold medals in her third Paralympics. Now twenty-four, Jessica has continued to establish herself as a powerhouse in international swimming, taking four golds at the most recent world championships and earning recognition as USA Swimming’s Disability Swimmer of the Year.
The clip underscores her commitment to training, her mindset when competing against the best athletes in the world, and the motivation that drives her to continue representing Team USA at the highest level. Through brief but compelling visuals and narration, the piece offers an inside look at Jessica’s preparation, competitive fire, and ongoing pursuit of excellence.
Key Moments
- 00:08 She reflects on her London performance, winning five gold medals in her third Games.
- 00:18 Highlights her four world-championship golds and recognition as Disability Swimmer of the Year.
- 00:26 Sports Illustrated frames her preparation for her fourth Paralympic Games in Rio.
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- (20)
Karen McCullough is a nationally known keynote speaker and expert on change, generational opportunities and workforce trends. Karen helps organizations cut through the generational biases and get back to reality by leveraging their team’s strengths, enriching the work environment, and driving better results. Each of her presentations brings a realistic perspective on workplace trends, employee […]
- Travels from: Houston, TX
- Generational Speakers
- (13)
- (4)
Chad Foster is a billion-dollar revenue generator, a visionary innovator in the tech world, and a job creator who redefines what it means to succeed. What sets him apart even more? He’s blind. Far from being a limitation, his loss of eyesight as a young adult transformed him into a powerful advocate for resilience and […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Leadership Speakers
- (8)
David Schulhof is an American entrepreneur and technology innovator focused on artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics. Known for operating at the intersection of technology, data, and emerging industries, he is building platforms designed to reshape how humans interact with intelligent machines. Schulhof’s current work centers on the development of advanced AI systems and humanoid robotics […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (16)
Lital Marom challenges current and future leaders to develop a bolder vision for human potential. She believes that from human potential springs business potential, and it should be used to create a more sustainable, inclusive future. Lital Marom got her start building computer systems for companies in Israel and Europe, before advancing to lead global […]
- Travels from: Toronto, ON
- Artificial Intelligence
- (49)
- Featured
Kanya Sesser is an internationally recognized para-athlete, groundbreaking model, actress, and motivational speaker whose life epitomizes resilience and determination. Born without legs and abandoned as a baby in Thailand, Kanya overcame immense challenges to become a global symbol of empowerment. Her motto, “No legs, no limits,” captures her journey of defying expectations and inspiring others […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Inspirational Speakers
- (33)
- (10)
Stafford Masie talks around Digital Innovation and Disruption, and are applicable to any audience because technology is a transversal matter, irrespective of industry or theme. Stafford has been in the ICT industry for more than 25 years. His career foundations started in mid 90’s working for Telkom, Dimension Data and then Novell as a software engineer. […]
- Travels from: Miami, FL
- Digital Speakers
- (26)
Shasta Nelson is a pioneering force in social relationship building, providing insights and guidance on how to cultivate meaningful connections in personal and professional life. With over a decade of experience in friendship development and workplace engagement, Nelson is renowned for her ability to help individuals and organizations understand the art and science of connection. […]
- Travels from: Grass Valley, CA
- Culture Speakers
- (7)
Björn Ognibeni is a digital strategist and long-standing consultant specialising in digital transformation, AI and Chinese digital innovation. With more than two decades of hands-on experience, he is best known for helping Western organisations understand and apply innovation impulses coming from China in a way that is commercially relevant and operationally realistic. As Founder of ChinaBriefs.io and […]
- Travels from:
- Digital Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
