Jessica Long, a U.S. Paralympic swimmer, was honored this week in New York as the recipient of the 77th AAU Sullivan Award, which is presented to the USA’s top amateur athlete. Long is the first Paralympic athlete ever to win this award.
"It's so cool to be the first paralympian to win. It's a huge honor. I just like to swim," said Long, whose legs were amputated below the knee when she was 18 months old due to lower leg abnormalities.
Long, 15, won nine gold medals at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Swimming World Championships in Durban, South Africa in 2006, and holds records in 12 different events. Long was named Paralympian of the Year by the U.S. Olympic Committee in 2006.
Those participating in the voting consisted of AAU officials, U.S. Olympic Committee members and college sports information directors. Learn more about U.S. Paralympics here.