Fleur Jong: The Inspiring Paralympic Champion Who Turned Tragedy Into Triumph

In the world of Paralympic athletics, few stories are as compelling as that of Fleur Jong, the Dutch Paralympic champion who transformed a life-threatening illness into an extraordinary career of athletic achievement. At just 29 years old, Jong has become one of the most dominant forces in women's T64 long jump and 100-meter events, setting multiple world records and capturing hearts across the globe.

From Flu Symptoms to Life-Changing Surgery

Fleur Jong's journey began with what seemed like ordinary flu symptoms in December 2012, just days before her 17th birthday. What started as a typical teenage illness quickly escalated into a life-threatening bacterial blood infection that would forever change her world. Within 24 hours, the infection had spread through her bloodstream, requiring immediate medical intervention to save her life.

The severity of the infection meant that doctors had to make difficult decisions to preserve Jong's life. She lost her right leg below the knee, part of her left foot and heel, and the top halves of eight fingers. A year later, recognizing the limitations of her partially amputated left foot, Jong made the courageous decision to have her left leg amputated below the knee as well, allowing for better prosthetic fitting and ultimately, a return to competitive athletics.

The Path to Paralympic Glory

Jong's introduction to Paralympic sport came through former Dutch Paralympic sprinter Marlou van Rhijn, who invited her to a talent day for para-athletes in 2013. There, she met Guido Bonsen, who would become her longtime coach and mentor. Initially competing as a T43-classified athlete, Jong quickly showed promise, earning bronze in the women's 200 meters T44 at the 2015 World Championships in Doha, Qatar.

The turning point in Jong's career came in 2018 when World Para Athletics implemented classification changes, moving her to the T62 category for athletes with double below-knee amputations. This change would prove pivotal, as Jong found her true calling in the long jump and sprint events within this classification.

Record-Breaking Performances

Jong's rise to international prominence accelerated dramatically in 2021. At the World Para Athletics European Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, she set new world records in both the women's 100 meters T64 and long jump T64 events. Her long jump performance was particularly spectacular, setting the world record twice in the same competition – first at 6.04 meters, then improving to 6.06 meters on her very next attempt.

Tokyo 2020: Paralympic Gold and Global Recognition

The delayed Tokyo 2020 Paralympics marked Jong's breakthrough on the world's biggest stage. Serving as one of the flag bearers for the Netherlands during the opening ceremony, Jong carried the hopes of her nation into competition. She delivered spectacularly, winning gold in the women's long jump T64 with a new world record of 6.16 meters.

Her performance in Tokyo wasn't limited to the long jump. Jong also competed in the 100 meters T64, finishing fourth but setting a new T62 Paralympic record of 13.10 seconds in the process. This dual-event success established her as one of the most versatile athletes in Paralympic athletics.

Paris 2024: Double Gold and Continued Dominance

Jong's career reached new heights at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, where she achieved the rare feat of winning gold in both her events. She successfully defended her long jump title with a jump of 6.53 meters, setting a new T62 Paralympic record. Perhaps even more impressive was her victory in the 100 meters T64, where she claimed her first Paralympic sprint title.

The 100-meter victory was particularly special as it resulted in a complete Dutch podium sweep, with teammates Kimberly Alkemade and Marlene van Gansewinkel joining Jong on the medal stand. This achievement highlighted the strength of Dutch Paralympic athletics and Jong's role as a leader and inspiration to her compatriots.

World Records and Technical Excellence

Jong's technical prowess in the long jump is evidenced by her current world record of 6.86 meters, set in June 2025. Her progression from her first sub-6-meter jump to consistently jumping over 6.5 meters demonstrates not only her natural talent but also her dedication to continuous improvement. In the 100 meters, her personal best of 12.02 seconds showcases her speed and technical skill on the track.

Beyond Athletics: Education and Advocacy

While athletics dominates much of Jong's time, she has also pursued her education, studying communication sciences at the University of Amsterdam. This academic pursuit reflects her commitment to life beyond sport and her desire to contribute to society in multiple ways.

Jong has also been involved in advocacy work, co-founding Team Para Atletiek with fellow Paralympic athlete Marlene van Gansewinkel in 2017. This initiative aims to promote Paralympic athletics and support developing para-athletes in the Netherlands.

Looking Forward: Legacy and Inspiration

At 29, Jong continues to compete at the highest level, recently adding three more gold medals at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, including victories in the long jump T64, 100 meters T64, and the universal 4x100m relay. Her consistent excellence across multiple championships demonstrates remarkable longevity and dedication to her sport.

Jong's story resonates far beyond the athletics track. Her transformation from a teenager facing life-threatening illness to becoming one of the world's most successful Paralympic athletes serves as an inspiration to millions. Her motto, "If everything is under control, you're not going fast enough," perfectly encapsulates her fearless approach to both sport and life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused Fleur Jong to lose her legs?

Fleur Jong contracted a bacterial blood infection (toxic shock) in December 2012, just before her 17th birthday. The infection spread rapidly through her bloodstream, requiring the amputation of her right leg below the knee, part of her left foot, and parts of eight fingers to save her life. She later chose to have her left leg amputated below the knee as well to improve her quality of life and athletic performance.

How many Paralympic gold medals has Fleur Jong won?

Fleur Jong has won three Paralympic gold medals: women's long jump T64 at Tokyo 2020, and both women's long jump T64 and women's 100 meters T64 at Paris 2024.

What is Fleur Jong's world record in long jump?

As of June 2025, Fleur Jong holds the world record in women's long jump T64 with a distance of 6.86 meters.

What classification does Fleur Jong compete in?

Fleur Jong competes in the T62/T64 classification, which is for athletes with double below-knee amputations. She initially competed as T43 but was reclassified in 2018 following changes in World Para Athletics classifications.

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