The real story behind the Super Bowl’s most moving advert

'Best commercial so far'

Toyota is being praised for its Super Bowl commercial, which featured a story of resilience and strength. 

In the commercial, the car company focused on the real-life story of 13-time Paralympic gold medallist Jessica Long, who had to have her legs amputated when she was young due to a leg condition.

The one-minute ad begins with a shot of Long swimming, before reflecting on her journey to becoming an award-winning swimmer.

As Long, who was orphaned before being adopted by parents in the US, continues to swim, other scenes play out, with an adoption agency seen informing her adoptive parents that they’ve found a baby girl that needs a new home, but “there’s some things you need to know”.

“She’s in Siberia and she was born with a rare condition,” the woman can be heard telling Long’s mother, as a flashback shows Long learning how to walk with crutches and prosthetic legs. “Her legs need to be amputated.”

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The commercial then sees Long in her swimsuit, before diving into a pool, with the adoption agency continuing to discuss her situation. 

“I know this is difficult to hear. Her life won’t be easy,” the woman says, as the commercial fast-forwards to a clip of Long competing as an adult.

In response to the adoption agency employee, Long’s mother says: “It might not be easy, but it’ll be amazing. I can’t wait to meet her.”

The ad concludes with the message: “We believe there is hope and strength in all of us,” adding: “Toyota. Proud partner of Team USA.”

Long first made her Paralympic debut in 2014, when she was just 12. She later became the second most-decorated Paralympian in 2016, when she left the Rio Paralympics with 23 medals.

On Twitter, the commercial was identified by some as their favourite of the night, with many praising Toyota for highlighting Long’s inspiring story.

“This #SuperBowl ad filled my heart - Thank you to the creative team @Toyota and @JessicaLong,” one person tweeted.

Another said: “An @Olympics @Paralympics message was the highlight of the @SuperBowl. Well done @Toyota.”

“The best #SuperBow commercial so far has been Toyota’s ad about the Special Olympics athlete. Hit me right in the feels,” someone else wrote.