Paralympic Swimmer Jessica Long Is Pregnant, Expecting Twins with Husband Lucas (Exclusive)

Jessica Long, the accomplished Paralympic swimmer, is anticipating an exciting new chapter in her life as she prepares to welcome twin boys with her husband, Lucas Winters, this August. The couple, who married in 2020, are set to become first-time parents, marking a significant milestone in their journey together.

Long, who was adopted from Russia, had an inkling that multiple births could be a possibility, partly due to her birth mother’s history of having twins. The confirmation of the news came unexpectedly during an ordinary December morning, when Long decided to take a pregnancy test on a whim. “I had just woken up and honestly, I wasn’t expecting it to be positive at all,” she reflected.

During that morning, Winters had gone out for his usual Starbucks run, leaving Long to digest the life-changing news in solitude. “When Lucas got home, I surprised him with the news. We hugged, he cried,” she recalled. Attempting to capture the moment on her iPhone proved fruitless, as her nerves got the better of her, and she inadvertently didn’t hit record.

As the pregnancy progresses, Long and Winters are eagerly looking forward to the arrival of their twin boys. Long had harboured suspicions about the possibility of twins for some time, often voicing her feelings to her husband. “I always knew it was a possibility,” she remarked, referencing her adoption story featured in a Toyota Super Bowl commercial. Meeting her birth mother revealed the shared experience of having twins.

Despite having a feeling that twins were on the horizon, the reality was still a significant revelation when it was confirmed at a 13-week scan. “It kind of stopped us in our tracks in the best way,” Long shared. “We just looked at each other like, ‘Wait… this is really happening.’” Since receiving the news, the couple has navigated a whirlwind of emotions, pairing excitement with immense gratitude for their growing family.

One of the most memorable moments for the couple has been sharing the news with their loved ones. Long prioritised informing her family immediately, but made the announcement of the twins in a more imaginative fashion. She captured her mother’s reaction on camera, which was filled with laughter and joy. “One of those moments I’ll always hold on to,” Long added. Growing up in a large family of six siblings, she has received abundant support and enthusiasm from her relatives, which has been particularly meaningful during this time.

Pregnancy has shown itself to be a journey of both highs and lows for Long, where she faced sickness until around the 19-week mark. Nonetheless, she has indulged in cravings such as Caesar salads, apples, and Coke. Throughout this experience, she has found camaraderie with friends, including fellow Paralympic swimmer Mallory Weggemann, who has her own motherhood journey that includes overcoming infertility challenges. “She checks in on me a lot and it means so much to have someone like her offer advice and support,” Long noted of their connection.

As Long prepares for the next phase of her life, she is excited about the new sense of purpose motherhood will bring. After two decades as a devoted Paralympic swimmer, she looks towards her final Games in Los Angeles in 2028 with anticipation. “What we’re most looking forward to is building our family together and watching our boys grow into who they’re meant to be,” she expressed.

The competitive athlete has a vivid imagination of family life ahead, thinking about moments such as walks together, swimming, playing, and creating a nurturing home filled with love. Acknowledging that parenting is inevitable learning, Long views this new endeavour as an exhilarating challenge that she and Lucas are wholeheartedly prepared to embrace.

In an extraordinary blend of her athletic achievements and forthcoming motherhood, Jessica Long is on the brink of an unforgettable journey that promises growth, love, and valuable life experiences as their family blossoms.