# @jessicatatianalong on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DNg7XoxJDPE
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/33646418-jessicatatianalong-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/2a19257c02.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-08-18T23:17:18.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Jessica Long (@jessicatatianalong) — https://gondola.cc/jessicatatianalong

## Caption

I’ve always loved this photo taken by sophyholland. 

It captures the strength built from years of training and countless laps, but also reveals what some might see as a weakness. My legs. 

If you’re new here, I was born with fibular hemimelia. A birth defect where I was missing half of my legs. At 18 months old, my parents had my little feet amputated so I could wear prosthetics and walk. 

I spent years wanting legs and trying to understand why I was born differently than everyone else and then I found swimming. 

For me, swimming is freeing. It makes me feel powerful and like nothing can hold me back. 

Here’s the thing: there’s power in never giving up. Strength isn’t about hiding weakness, it’s about embracing it. I hope you know, that showing vulnerability truly makes you unstoppable. 
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#neverevergiveup

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 6,431
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 140

## Tags

neverevergiveup

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