Victoria Arlen's life drastically changed in 2006, at the tender age of eleven, when she developed two rare conditions known as Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis.
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Victoria Arlen
ESPN On-air Personality Author, "Locked In" Gold Medalist
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Bio
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Victoria Arlen’s life drastically changed in 2006, at the tender age of eleven, when she developed two rare conditions known as Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis. Suddenly in an incredibly rare scenario, Victoria quickly lost the ability to speak, eat, walk and move. She slipped into a vegetative state and spent nearly four years “locked” inside her own body, completely aware of what was going on, just unable to move or communicate. Doctors believed there was little hope of survival, and recovery was unlikely. Victoria, however, was not ready to give up. After almost four years, she began the nearly impossible fight back to life. Defying all odds, she learned how to speak, eat and move all over again. Today she is an ESPN On-air personality, author, and motivational speaker. She is world-famous not only for her story and accomplishments but for her message, “Face It, Embrace It, Defy It, Conquer It.” Armed with her powerful life story and eagerness to share the profound lessons she’s learned – and earned – along the way, Victoria uplifts her audiences and encourages them to examine the seemingly small glimpses and moments of hope.
Victoria’s story became widely known after a stellar swim career that includes three Silvers and a Gold medal from the London 2012 Paralympic Games and multiple World, American, and Pan American Records. In April 2015, Victoria transitioned from professional athlete to sportscaster and joined ESPN as one of the youngest on-air talents hired by the company and reports and hosts across all platforms. After spending nearly a decade in a wheelchair paralyzed from the waist down, Victoria exceeded all expectations and took her first steps in 2016. And by Fall 2017, she learned to dance as a contestant – and fan favorite – on Season 25 of Dancing with the Stars.
In addition to her public speaking and TV career, Victoria is passionate about helping others and serves as the Founder and Co-Chair of Victoria’s Victory Foundation – a nonprofit that assists those living with disabilities to achieve their own personal victory.
In 2018, she published her story, Locked In: The Will to Survive and the Resolve to Live. And in April of the same year, ESPN Films debuted a 30 for 30 titled “Locked In” based on Victoria’s story at the Tribeca Film Festival. Victoria was a contributing producer for the film. Victoria later became the face of Jockey and debuted her signature clothing line “Jockey by Victoria Arlen” in 2019. That summer, Victoria was announced as the new host of America Ninja Warrior jr, Season 2, which aired in February 2020.
In the last year, Victoria has branched into more creative spaces in acting, producing, fashion, and hosting with various projects currently in the works.
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Topics
Topics
FACE IT, EMBRACE IT, DEFY IT, CONQUER IT
BLINK, BUT DON’T MISS IT: FINDING HOPE AND INSPIRATION IN THE SMALLEST OF MOMENTS
LOCKED IN: A STORY OF SURVIVAL, SECOND CHANCES, AND LIVING ON PURPOSE
Videos
Videos
Every Mother’s Worst Nightmare | Victoria Arlen Inspirational Documentary | Goalcast
She Went From Paralyzed To Dancing With The Stars - This Video Shares Her Incredible Story
Books
LOCKED IN: THE WILL TO SURVIVE AND THE RESOLVE TO LIVE
News
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