Victoria Arlen

 Victoria Arlen came to the 2012 Paralympics with only 18 months of training, and she shocked many with each medal she won and record she broke getting there.  That determination and drive is something Victoria has always had, and it’s likely the reason she is alive today. 

Victoria was born a happy, healthy girl who loved sports, dancing, acting, playing and enjoying childhood.  During her young years she was a promising competitive swimmer, and also played sports such as field hockey and soccer. 

However, when Victoria was 11 years old her world changed.  Waking up one morning unable to walk or support herself with her legs, she was hospitalized and began a long journey that would change her life forever.  At the time her condition was unknown, but later would be diagnosed as transverse myelitis, a neurological disorder caused by inflammation of the spinal cord.  Until doctors were able to determine what was causing Victoria’s condition, she slipped into a vegetative state for three years, losing the ability to speak, eat, and move.  She was unable to communicate or use her arms and legs, but she was determined to prove the doctors wrong when they told her family it was likely she would die in that condition.  Slowly, she began returning to her family, and when her condition was diagnosed Victoria fought to relearn the daily tasks that she had been unable to do for herself for so long. 

 Despite being confined to a wheelchair as an aftereffect of her transverse myelitis, Victoria was determined not to let it define her or stop her from doing the things she wished to do.  Victoria discovered teams for paralyzed athletes through a magazine, and began to play sled hockey.  Her natural athleticism and drive helped Victoria earn a spot as a member of the US National Sled Hockey team, but her most current success has come from another sport. 

In 2010 Victoria returned to the pool and decided she wanted to compete in the Olympic Trials, which were just a short eighteen months away.  Again Victoria encountered a lot of doubters who were convinced she would not be able to be ready for the Trials in such a short amount of time.  During this time Victoria’s mother told her something she will never forget: “Don’t you ever let anyone tell you you can’t do something. If you believe you can do it, you can do it.” During the trials she broke multiple records and earned her spot on the 2012 United States Paralympic team.  While in London, Victoria earned four medals, Gold in the 100m Freestyle, Silver in the 50m Freestyle, 4x100 Freestyle Relay, and the 400m Freestyle.

Victoria lives by the motto “face it, embrace it, defy it, and conquer it,” and it is clear that she has already done so at many points within her life.  Victoria hopes that others with disabilities will adopt the same motto, and will learn to never be discouraged by their challenges and will work hard to reach their goals, whatever they may be.

Hear Victoria tell her inspirational story: