Born: 1995
Biography:
Fleur Jong is a Dutch Paralympic athlete who has made significant contributions to the world of para-athletics. Born on December 17, 1995, Jong has overcome immense challenges to become a world-record holder and a symbol of resilience and determination.
Early in her life, Jong faced a life-threatening bacterial blood infection just a few days before her 17th birthday in December 2012. This infection hindered blood flow to her extremities, ultimately leading to the amputation of her right leg below the knee, part of her left foot, and the top halves of eight fingers. Despite the physical setback, Jong refused to let these challenges define her future.
During her rehabilitation, Jong found inspiration and guidance from Dutch para-snowboarder Bibian Mentel, who coached her through her recovery journey. Motivated by Mentel’s support, Jong made the courageous decision to amputate her left leg below the knee as well, as she was unable to use it properly. She displayed unwavering perseverance and a strong will to pursue her dreams.
In 2013, Jong’s path intersected with Paralympic sports during a talent day organized by NOC*NSF. It was there that she met Guido Bonsen, who would later become her coach. With Bonsen’s guidance, Jong embarked on her athletic career and set her sights on challenging and rewriting records in the world of para-athletics.
Jong began her career as a T43-classified athlete, competing in events for athletes with lower limb amputations. In 2015, at the IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha, Qatar, she won the bronze medal in the women’s 200 metres T44 event, showcasing her speed and determination. Additionally, she finished 6th in the women’s 100 metres T44 event, proving her versatility on the track.
Representing the Netherlands, Jong participated in the 2016 Summer Paralympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Although she did not advance to the finals in either the women’s 100 metres T44 or 200 metres T44 events, her presence on the global stage was a testament to her dedication and commitment to her craft.
In 2017, Jong showcased her talent at the World Para Athletics Championships held in London, United Kingdom. Competing in the women’s 200 metres T44 event, she finished in an impressive 4th place, narrowly missing out on a podium finish. Her performance solidified her status as a top para-athlete and someone to watch within the community.
With the implementation of classification changes by World Para Athletics in 2018, Jong transitioned to compete as a T62-classified athlete. This classification is specifically for athletes with double below-the-knee amputations, highlighting the unique challenges she has overcome. Jong’s willingness to adapt and excel in her new classification demonstrates her resilience and determination to compete at the highest level.
At the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Jong competed in the women’s long jump T64 event, finishing in an impressive 4th place. She also participated in the women’s 100 metres T64 event, finishing in 7th place. Her performances showcased her versatility in both sprinting and jumping disciplines.
Jong’s breakthrough moment came in May 2021 when she became the first female T62-classified athlete to jump over six meters in the long jump event. Setting a new record of 6.02 meters at the 2021 World Para Athletics Grand Prix, she demonstrated her exceptional skill and talent. This achievement solidified her position as a world-class athlete and a trailblazer for athletes with lower limb amputations.
Continuing her exceptional form, Jong excelled at the World Para Athletics European Championships held in Bydgoszcz, Poland in June 2021. She clinched two gold medals and set new world records in both the women’s 100 metres T64 and women’s long jump T64 events. In the long jump event, she set a new world record twice, first jumping 6.04 meters and then improving it to 6.06 meters. Her impressive performances not only secured her place in history but also inspired athletes around the world.
The pinnacle of Jong’s career came at the 2020 Summer Paralympics held in Tokyo, Japan. Competing in the women’s long jump T64 event, she leaped her way to a gold medal and set a new world record of 6.16 meters. Her achievement showcased not only her exceptional talent but also her ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage in para-athletics.
As of May 2022, Jong’s world record in the women’s long jump T64 event stands at an astounding 6.23 meters. Her unwavering dedication to her craft and commitment to self-improvement have propelled her to reach new heights in para-athletics.
Fleur Jong’s journey as an athlete is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Her achievements have not only redefined the boundaries of her discipline but have also inspired individuals worldwide. Through her incredible story, Jong continues to leave a lasting impact and shape the landscape of women’s history in sports.
Awards:
– Gold medal, women’s long jump T64 event, 2020 Summer Paralympics
– Two gold medals and new world records, women’s 100 metres T64 and women’s long jump T64 events, World Para Athletics European Championships, 2021
– Bronze medal, women’s 200 metres T44 event, IPC Athletics World Championships, 2015