Quotes from Victoria Arlen

Each of us can provide a positive example to others in our lives, and that's powerful. When I visit those with difficult health conditions, I do my best to provide them with positive motivation because I know I was so inspired by people who showed support for me.

Since my days get crazy, I am in love with almonds - you'll always find them in my bag!

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.

I have these big brown eyes, so ever since I was a baby, you could tell what I was feeling and thinking based on my eyes.

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

When my doctors said I would never walk, I didn't believe them. I knew I wasn't meant to spend my life in a chair.

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

I love to swim, and what I have been able to do - give people hope.

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

Growing up, I was a water baby. We lived near a lake, had a pool in our backyard, and as soon as I was old enough, I joined a swim team. By 10, I was winning local events.

I grew up a swimmer. I didn't think I could swim without the use of my legs.

While paralyzed, I won a gold and three silver medals as a competitive swimmer.

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

Swimming is still very much a part of me.

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.

When I was 10 years old, 'Dancing with the Stars' premiered, and I told my mom, 'I'm going to be on that show one day.'

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

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.

I grew up doing tap, jazz, and ballet, so I understand rhythm and movement and performing.

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.

I was told that I would be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life.

I was bullied in high school. I would go through the hallways and be pointed at and laughed at because I was the new kid in a wheelchair.

I thought my sports career was over once I got into a wheelchair. That was the hardest reality I had to face.