“Adversity causes some to break, others to break records.”
When Jessica swam at the 2004 Olympic Trials at age 17, it was one of her first times at a national meet. Hardy finished fifth in a stacked 100m breaststroke field, a result with which she was happy, having quit all of her other sports to focus on swimming exclusively only one year before. Less than a year later, while still a high school senior and a rookie on the US National Team, she set a World Record in the 100m breaststroke at the 2005 World Championships, thus becoming the first American woman to hold that record in over 20 years. She then went on to compete at the University of California, Berkeley, where she was a four-time NCAA Champion and set three American Records.
Leading up to 2008, Jessica went on to add 2 more World Records, 6 more American Records and 9 international medals for the US. At only 21 years old, Jessica qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics in four different events: the 100m breaststroke, the 50m freestyle (setting an American Record), the 4x100m freestyle relay, and the 4x100m medley relay.
After finding out that she had tested positive for a banned stimulant, Jessica had to withdraw herself from the 2008 Olympic Team. A sports arbitration panel later found that she had unknowingly and unintentionally consumed a contaminated nutritional supplement. Her suspension period was set to the minimum possible, one year.
The year that she was ineligible for competition was heartbreaking and frustrating, but she didn’t give up. She continued to train hard and to believe in herself. In her very first return competition in 2009, she set three World Records. Two of which World Records were set while swimming in the same race (the 50m and 100m breaststroke), something that has only rarely been done. Later that year, she competed in the FINA World Cup series, set 5 more World Records, and was named the top female performer.
In 2010, Jessica won four gold medals in the Pan Pacific Championships (50m breaststroke, 50m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle, and 4x100m medley relay). With similar fashion in 2011, Jessica was crowned the World Champion in the 50m breaststroke, and won a silver medal in the 4×100 freestyle relay.
A triumphant story of a girl overcoming heartbreak to become the World Record-holder; Jessica’s career is one of the most unique of all time. She faces the 2012 Olympic-year with more tenacity, courage, and fortitude than most elite athletes can ever dream of. Continue following Jessica’s journey of making her dreams come true at the 2012 London Olympic Games, with her frequent updates on this website and through her social media. A heartfelt thank you goes to all of her fans, followers, enthusiasts & sponsors for your continued support!
