Victoria’s story is truly inspiring, showcasing her resilience, determination, and unwavering pursuit of her dreams despite facing significant challenges. Her journey from battling a rare viral disease like Transverse Myelitis to achieving remarkable feats in sports and education is a testament to her strength of character.
After contracting Transverse Myelitis at the age of 11, Victoria’s life took a challenging turn. She spent five years fighting the disease, including four years in a vegetative coma. This experience left her unable to use her legs for almost a decade. However, her passion for swimming and athleticism remained undeterred. Her return to the pool in June 2010 marked a turning point, as she began her journey toward achieving her childhood dream of competing in the Olympic Games.
In the spring of 2012, Victoria achieved a significant milestone by qualifying for the London Paralympic Games in four events. Her dedication and hard work paid off, as she went on to win a Gold Medal and three Silver Medals at the Paralympics. This remarkable achievement highlighted her exceptional skills as an athlete and her ability to overcome adversity.
Despite missing five years of schooling due to her illness, Victoria’s determination to succeed shone through. She graduated on-time from Exeter High School in New Hampshire in June 2013, alongside her triplet brothers. Her academic achievement demonstrated her commitment to both her education and her personal growth.
Victoria’s journey took another inspiring turn as she transitioned into an on-air TV personality role with ESPN. Her reporting work included covering various prestigious sporting events such as the X-Games, Invictus Games, The ESPY Awards, espnW, Frozen Four, Special Olympics World Games, and Sportscenter. This career shift showcased her versatility and her ability to excel in a different arena while continuing to engage with her passion for sports.
Victoria’s story serves as an inspiration to others facing challenges, reminding us of the power of determination, resilience, and a positive mindset in overcoming obstacles. Her achievements highlight the possibilities that can emerge when one refuses to give up on their dreams, regardless of the difficulties they may face along the way.
We were BEYOND pleased with Victoria Arlen; she was one of the best speakers we have ever had. I read her book this weekend and am just blown away by her unstoppable determination and spirit. Please be on the lookout for another dynamite speaker for us for next year. We truly enjoy working with you both to make our event such a tremendous success.
“Everything went just beautifully! Both Victoria and Jacqueline are the most delightful people ever, and my audience absolutely LOVED them and all that they had to say! Amazing! They got a very long standing ovation, her books completely sold out, and we got great reviews on social media the next day! Unquestionably one of the best-ever our series has hosted.”
“As the Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and the CEO of HomeServices of America, over the years I’ve had to deliver countless presentations myself, and I’ve observed an endless array of professional speakers. I’ve learned the most important thing to do is connect…meaningfully, authentically and emotionally, in a way that leaves the audience with a lasting impression. Despite being one of the youngest speakers we’ve ever hosted, Victoria Arlen has mastered the art of creating this kind of true, powerful connection. Of all the great speakers we’ve hosted at our conferences, she was exceptional ”
Victoria was the perfect speaker for our event! I can’t thank you enough for the recommendation. She was unbelievable; full of life, passion, and hope. I am stunned that she is only 24 years old. We have had nothing but positive feedback and you could feel the energy in the room. We gave her a Wheaties Box with her picture on it, and I think that was a big hit.
Our speakers change the game, bringing motivation and excellence through their life experiences.
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