As a little kid,Jessica Longliked to pretend she was a mermaid.
Being abilateral amputee, the pool was a place that gave me freedom, the 32-year-old tells Bustle.
It still gives me that same sense of freedom today.
After years ofplaying mermaids, Longs family eventually learned about theParalympic Games.
We realized it was this incredible movement of people who were like me, she says.
It just made sense that I would try out for swimming.
At age 10, Long joined her first competitive swim team.
By age 12, she was at her first Paralympics.
Theresno age limitto compete in the Paralympics, but most athletes are between the ages of 18 and 30.
I no longer have anything to prove, she says.
I want to continue to grow the Paralympic movement.
Goose has helped my mental health so much while training these past three years, she says.
Being an athlete is tough, but there’s peace in knowing he doesn’t care about my performance.
Hes always just excited to see me.
Below, Long talks about a typical training day,life in the Olympic Village, and FaceTiming Goose.
I took a short break after Tokyo, then decided to come back.
It was one of my best decisions.
I love feeling the pressure of the Games.
We didn’t have people watching us last time, so my whole family is coming this year.
Im one of six kids, and my husband, Lucas, will be there too.
I [was] the youngest Paralympic athlete to win a gold medal, which feels amazing.
While it’s something I truly love to do, competing isnt my whole identity.
I was lucky enough to live at the Colorado SpringsOlympic and Paralympic Training Centerthis summer.
Id head over to the pool and do my pre-stretching.
If I didnt warm up my spine and shoulders, I couldnt get through my two-hour practice.
Then Id swim andwork on different strokes, and follow it up with a bigger breakfast and arecovery bath.
After that Id nap for a few hours, wake up, and do the whole thing over again.
Sometimes Id have physical therapy with a trainer or a weight-training session.
Its like a big summer camp.
There’s also nothing more powerful than seeing my team all dressed in U.S. clothing.
I’m all about going back to basics.
Walks are incredible for your body and mind.
When I was at the Training Center Id look for ways to get away.
When the nerves come, I let them come.
I think nerves are such a privilege.
How many people get to experience the throw in of energy thats at the Paralympics?
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
