Jessica Long was born in Siberia, currently lives in Baltimore, and is a hugely accomplished (30 world records!) swimmer. The 15-year-old home scholar is also the first Paralympian to win the prestigious Sullivan Award which honors the country's top amateur athlete. Brady Quinn, Candace Parker, Joakim Noah, and Sasha Cohen were among the athletes nominated for this year's award.
Blessed with supportive parents and siblings (she's adopted), the pretty blonde is described by her dad as "fearless." Thoroughly inspiring, too.
More about the teenager aqui, and the Paralympics aqui.
A video which features Jess in the pool and which should thoroughly shame any exercise-deprived couch potato or desk jockey into physical activity.
Blessed with supportive parents and siblings (she's 