VICTORIA ARLEN

I learned early on that extraordinary challenges lead to extraordinary victories.

When I was really sick, I loved watching 'Dancing With the Stars.'

I love to smile, even through pain.

I was written off as a lost cause. But I'm living proof that miracles can happen.

Every time I dance, it's a tremendous blessing, and I just can't forget that.

The big thing for me is just continuing to be a beacon of hope. And showing people that nothing is impossible.

My hope is to be the first disabled swimmer on an able-bodied team at the Y Nationals.

When you have a spinal or brain injury, or any kind of devastating illness, you kind of fall through the cracks in a sense. Your world implodes, and no one is really there to help pick up the pieces.

Heroes in real life don't wear masks and capes. Sometimes they don't stand out at all. But real heroes can save a life - or many lives - just by answering the call in their heart.

I was determined to get back to my life. I had to relearn how to do everything. I had to learn how to talk, eat, move my arms.

'Thank you' is never enough for me to say to my family.

I want the other Victorias out there, the people that are suffering or going through something, to keep fighting.

I will use my voice to change the world, spreading hope, spreading love, and spreading life, 'cause the world needs that. That's enough for me.

The climb might be tough and challenging, but the view is worth it. There is a purpose for that pain; you just can't always see it right away.

I was told it couldn't be done. My dream was impossible. But on March 3, 2016, after spending 10 years in a wheelchair paralyzed from the waist down, I took my first steps without assistance. That was no easy task.

It's such a tremendous honor to redefine what is possible and inspire people. I just want to do that as long as possible.

I'm honored to be a part of the #ShowEm campaign because it recognizes the importance of who we are at our core and what drives us to become who we want to be, no matter what obstacles we face. Jockey has given me a platform to show people that the impossible can be possible if you keep fighting and believing.

I come from a family of go-getters.

'Good Life' was my gold-medal song and is what I sing when I need to get focused and keep calm. It also just makes me super happy, and I love jamming out.

It's been a reality check that my muscles are still really affected by my spinal cord injury, but it's also been super empowering to see how much I'm capable of.

I'm an athlete, I'm a competitor, so whenever you have a loss, you feel it in your heart.

I'm a firm believer that every morning brings a new opportunity for me to conquer the day.

It started off with flu-like symptoms and pain; then, I started feeling really funny. In two weeks, I was paralyzed from the waist down, and it spiraled down from there. Every ability I had was slowly slipping away.

My swim coach was very tough on me, and I respond well to that training... being pushed to my limit.

There's nothing greater than just having people that pick you up when you get knocked down.