Jessica

Heims

Quick Facts

• Daughter of Kris and Glen Heims. Has two sisters, Beth and Nicole
• Born with amniotic band syndrome, a condition where tissue, or bands, from floating parts of the amniotic sac wrap around and compromise an unborn babies’ limbs
• Had her left leg amputated below the knee
• Started in track and field at age 10, following in her sister’s footsteps
• Her role model had always been Olympian Steve Prefontaine until she met Paralympic teammate Scout Bassett, who helped her get involved in Para track and field when she was 11
• Since then, she has grown immensely in the sport, earning a spot on the University of Northern Iowa Track and Field Team.
• Enjoys listening to Broadway musicals, reading, learning about science and reading the Bible
• Leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization at her university
• Fan of the Captain America movie series by Marvel
• Named homecoming queen at her high school in Iowa

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2015 – 5th (400m T44 - Women, Discus Throw F44 - Women)
• Years of participation: 400m T44 - Women 2015; Discus Throw F44 - Women 2015
• Top finish: 5th – 2015 (400m T44 - Women), 2015 (Discus Throw F44 - Women)

Paralympic Experience

• 3-time Paralympian;
• Paralympic Games Paris 2024, 6th (Discus Throw F64 - Women)
• Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, 5th (Discus Throw F64 - Women)
• Paralympic Games Rio de Janeiro 2016, 7th (400m T44 - Women), 8th (Discus Throw F44 - Women)