Victoria Arlen

Biography of Victoria Arlen

Early Life

Victoria Arlen at Project Walk

Victoria Arlen was born on September 26, 1994, in Exeter, New Hampshire, United States. She grew up in a supportive family with three brothers. From a young age, Arlen was an active child, participating in various sports and activities.

Medical Challenges

In 2006, at the age of 11, Victoria Arlen developed transverse myelitis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, two rare conditions that led to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. This resulted in her losing the ability to speak, eat, walk, and move. Arlen entered a vegetative state, which lasted for nearly four years.

Recovery

In 2010, Arlen began to regain consciousness and slowly started to recover. Despite being paralyzed from the waist down, she was determined to overcome her physical limitations. Her recovery was marked by her incredible resilience and the support of her family and medical team.

Paralympic Career

Victoria Arlen's passion for sports led her to swimming as part of her rehabilitation. She excelled in the sport and qualified for the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London. Arlen competed in four events, winning a gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle and three silver medals in other events.

Media Career

After her success in the Paralympics, Arlen transitioned to a career in media. She became a television personality and joined ESPN as a reporter and host. Her work at ESPN has included covering major sporting events and sharing inspiring stories of athletes overcoming adversity.

Dancing with the Stars

In 2017, Victoria Arlen participated in the 25th season of Dancing with the Stars. Paired with professional dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy, she reached the semifinals, showcasing her determination and ability to perform despite her physical challenges.

Motivational Speaking

Victoria Arlen is also a motivational speaker, sharing her story of overcoming adversity and inspiring others to pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles they face. Her speeches focus on resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit.

Related pages

• Paralympic Games
• Transverse myelitis
• Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
• ESPN
• Dancing with the Stars (American TV series)