Chip Chick
While in Athens, Jessica won three gold medals. The years after that, she went on to compete in the following 3 Paralympic Games, break quite a few records, and rack up twenty-three different total medals. Now, she’s set to compete in Tokyo this summer.
Jessica is not only an amazing and accomplished Paralympic champion; she’s an inspiration.
Last night during the Super Bowl, Toyota shared her incredible story in a commercial that follows along as her parents received the call that she was for adoption, but that she had a disability.
As Jessica elegantly swims through the water, pieces of her childhood and milestones are shown alongside her as she continues to swim.
If you haven’t seen the commercial, you can watch it below, but be warned; you should grab a few tissues (or ten) first.
Instagram; Jessica smiles in the photo above
Jessica had this to say on Instagram about the Toyota commercial that focuses on her life story: “Wow – just wow! I’m still taking this all in but I want to say thank you so much for all of the love and support with the debut of my first-ever Super Bowl commercial, “Upstream.” This is so special to me because I don’t think I would’ve ever imagined that me – a girl born with no legs and adopted from a Russian orphanage – would ever have this type of opportunity.”
“Toyota was able to capture so beautifully the big moments, but also the small moments that are really important too. This process has reminded me that my parents wanted me truly and completely, and loved me even before my success.”
“I feel such grace towards them for what they went through when they adopted me. My career is 18 years in the making and it’s incredible for my story to be shown on such a huge platform.”
Instagram; pictured above is part of what Jessica had to say about being featured in the Toyota commercial
“No one can take away what I’ve accomplished, but my life is so much more than the medals. Swimming has helped me get through a lot in my life. Here you get to see little Jess for the first time, hands on her hips and joining her first swim team.”
“The scene when little Jess swims under me and I swim over her – that’s who I’m still swimming for – that little girl in the locker room who never gave up.”
“I hope “Upstream” inspires everyone who watches it and serves as a reminder that nothing is impossible. Thank you Toyota for believing in the Paralympic Movement and for believing in me, even when I doubted myself.”
“I’m excited for the world to see the commercial and I hope it reminds everyone that there really is hope and strength in all of us. And if you need me today, I’ll just be watching this over and over again most likely crying.”
You can follow Jessica here on Instagram and watch the commercial featuring her story below!
