Jennifer Bricker, a professional Aerialist, was born without legs so was given up for adoption by her parents in Romania. Soon after, she was adopted by a couple from a small town in Illinois. As a child, she dreamt of becoming a gymnast and would watch the Olympics devotedly trying to memorize the moves of the U.S women team. She idolized Dominique Moceanu, the 1996 Gold Medal winner. Being on a wheelchair could not extinguish her determination and her foster parents encouraged her to play sports like baseball, basketball, and gymnastics. Gradually, she mastered the acrobat moves on a trampoline in her parents’ yard and, soon, started tumbling professionally. She went on to become Illinois State Champion tumbler.
But there was a major surprise waiting just around the corner for her. Her adoptive parents revealed her birth family’s last name when she grew curious about her genetics. This made her realize that the Olympic gymnast Dominique Moceanu was her biological sister. Subsequently, she wrote a letter to Moceanu, including some court documents and photos. It was a happy ending and she reunited with her sister thereafter.
Now, Bricker is a motivational speaker alongside being a professional aerialist.
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