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Jen Bricker-Bauer: a name that soars high in the realm of possibility and inspiration. A gymnast, aerialist and motivational speaker, her life is one big, beautiful contradiction to the word “impossible.” Born without legs and adopted into a loving family, Jen has lived a life far beyond what most would dare to imagine. Her journey is a story not only about overcoming obstacles but about redefining them.
Let’s start at the beginning.
Jen’s early years were spent in a small town in southern Illinois, growing up in a family that didn’t see her as different, even though she was born without legs. Her parents adopted her when she was just three months old, and they laid the foundation for what would be an extraordinary life by holding her to the same standards as any other child. The family had one simple rule: never say “can’t.” This wasn’t just a fluffy inspirational quote on the kitchen wall—it was a way of life and an expectation that whatever Jen set her mind to, she would figure out how to achieve it. And achieve it, she did.
By the time Jen was a young child, she was already excelling in sports—softball, basketball and her greatest love: gymnastics. Her strength and agility, combined with an insatiable curiosity to push boundaries, led her to become the first person without legs to compete in power tumbling. She became a state champion in power tumbling and even placed third in the Junior Olympics. It was the first big step in a lifelong dance with gravity—one she would ultimately master through aerial arts and gymnastics.
But here’s where the story twists in a way that even the most imaginative screenwriter might hesitate to pen: At 16, Jen discovered her biological sister was none other than Dominique Moceanu, an Olympic gold medalist gymnast. Yes, you read that right. The very sport Jen had been passionately pursuing her whole life, against all odds, was also in her blood.
As Jen transitioned into adulthood, her journey took her to places few have dared to go, both literally and figuratively. While most of us might think twice about hanging from silks, twirling mid-air, or performing on a trampoline in front of thousands, Jen embraced it all. After moving to Orlando and working at Disney World, she found herself drawn to the aerial arts. It was there that she met her coach, who not only taught her the technical skills but also saw in her the limitless potential that had always been there. What began as simple training sessions evolved into a full-blown performance partnership, and Jen found herself thrust onto the biggest stages of her life.
One of her most memorable experiences came when she joined the circus. Not just any circus, though—Britney Spears’ Circus Tour. That’s right, Jen was part of the acrobatic act in a world tour that exposed her talent to millions of people around the globe. Performing in front of 20,000 people, night after night, Jen faced the kind of high-stakes pressure that would make anyone sweat, but she handled it with grace. The intensity, the sheer magnitude of the spectacle—it all pushed her limits and expanded her horizons. “Nothing will ever be as intimidating again,” Jen would say after completing over 40 shows on the tour. It was a crucible moment, one that solidified her confidence and showed the world that not only could she perform, but she could also dazzle.
Her career continued to defy gravity—and expectations. One of her most breathtaking performances took place in Tokyo, Japan, where she performed an aerial act live for an audience of thousands at the famous Budokan Arena, as part of Japan’s prestigious 24-hour TV program. Another surreal highlight was when Jen performed in Qatar for the International Paralympic World Championships, gracefully suspended from a hot air balloon. Yes, a hot air balloon. Let that sink in for a moment. It’s not hyperbole to say that Jennifer’s performances are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. They are a physical manifestation of her belief that everything is possible.
And, of course, her story doesn’t stop at performance. As a motivational speaker, Jen has travelled the world, sharing her message of resilience and possibility. Her speeches aren’t only a recounting of her life’s achievements; they’re a call to action for anyone who has ever felt limited by circumstances. Her memoir, Everything is Possible, is an extension of that message, reaching thousands of readers across the globe in 11 languages. It’s not a book about overcoming disability—it’s a book about living fully, with no excuses.
Now, you might wonder, with all these incredible achievements, what’s next for someone like Jen? Well, life continues to evolve. She’s now a wife and a mother to a beautiful baby boy. And, as you might guess, she’s still travelling, still performing, still speaking and—most importantly—still inspiring. Jen and her husband now perform together as an aerial duo, combining her acrobatic talents with his musical gifts, creating performances that are as unique as they are breathtaking. Their son is always by their side, absorbing the magic of the world his parents have crafted, a world where anything is possible.
When asked what advice she would give to others, especially those living with disabilities, Jen speaks from the heart: “Everyone is created with a purpose. We all have something to offer. Your gifts are just as valuable as anyone else’s, no matter what your circumstances.” She believes that people can be a source of inspiration in their own communities, whether they are in the spotlight or behind the scenes. Her words are a reminder that while her story may be extraordinary, it’s built on a foundation of simple truths we can all embrace: hard work, perseverance and the courage to believe in ourselves.
Jen Bricker-Bauer is a living reminder that the only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves. So, the next time you find yourself doubting your ability to achieve something, remember Jen’s story. Then, take a deep breath, look at the challenge ahead, and tell yourself: Everything is possible.
Get a copy of Jen’s book, Everything is Possible on Amazon.
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Visit her website: jenbricker.com