In the magical city of Paris, there exists a red thread that connects sporting magnificence with the energetic aura that envelops the city, and with the Paralympic Games in their full splendor, this summer was no exception. Jessica Long, touched by a wand, has penned another chapter in her impressive athletic career with a stroke of wizardry.

The 32-year-old American swimmer, born in Russia, was adopted by a family in Baltimore by the decision of a pair of teenage parents who chose to give her up for adoption after discovering she had fibular hemimelia. Since then, she has been the perfect example of perseverance and resilience, achieving a historic feat worthy of the greatest Paralympic athletes of all time. She definitely was, is, and now even more so. Her victory in the 400-meter freestyle took her back to the podium, where she has been a constant presence since her first participation two decades ago, in Athens 2004.

Long's career has not been an easy path, and her gold medal in Paris carries a special flavor as she marveled at it hanging around her neck. After winning silver in the same event in Tokyo, many thought her time had passed, including herself: “I told reporters I would never do this race again,” Jessica confessed. However, her mentor and now Director of US Paralympics Swimming, Erin Popovich, was the one who convinced her never to give up on the goggles, encouraging her to return to rigorous training for the 400 meters. Popovich’s trust and encouragement proved crucial for Long’s return to the top.

The race itself was a display of determination. Long, who had already accumulated achievements in various competitions at these Games, faced the final with intense pain but never let it slow her down. “I woke up sore, but I thought: ‘Do it for that Russian girl who never gave up,’” she recalled, deeply emotional. And so she did, achieving a victory that transcends the mere number of medals: a testament to her indomitable spirit.

With this new Paralympic championship, Long has amassed a staggering 30 Paralympic medals (17 gold, 8 silver, and 5 bronze), placing her among the historical elite in the sport. Only Paralympic legend Trischa Zorn, with 46 medals, can boast of surpassing this monumental achievement. She has once again ascended to the Olympus of sports, surpassing icons like Spanish swimmer Teresa Perales, who has 28 medals, and British multi-discipline cyclist Sarah Storey, also with 28.

For her, on the flip-slide, the medal count is not the most important thing. “I wanted to reach 30, but this does not define me,” she humbly stated. For the swimmer, what matters is the work ethic, and, of course, the ability to inspire others with her example. “What I’m proud of is that people see how long I’ve been in this and how committed I am,” she added.

It is said that Paris 2024 could be her last appearance at the Paralympic Games. Otherwise, the athlete, who will turn 33 in February, has not completely closed the door on future competitions. On Saturday, she will face her final event of these Games, the 100-meter butterfly S8, one more opportunity to continue astounding sports fans.

Although the Russian-born has been the undisputed star of the American team in Paris, she has not been alone in her success. Her teammate Christie Raleigh Crossley also shone in the Paris pool, adding a silver medal in the 100-meter freestyle S9. After a gold medal the previous day, Crossley showed that, like Long, she remains in top form and enjoying every race.

Long has repeatedly demonstrated that her legacy goes beyond medals. Every breath, every stroke in every competition has been a testament to overcoming and relentless hard work. With her 30th medal hanging around her neck, the 'Queen of the Water' continues to be a source of inspiration for athletes around the world, her name undoubtedly etched in the history of Paralympic sports, and her story, worthy of the best film.