Quotes from Victoria Arlen

Being competitive is in my nature. I actually think being competitive saved my life. It's given me the constant drive to be better, and when I was in that hospital bed and that wheelchair, it made me want to get better.

We all have challenges. We have to face them, embrace them, defy them, and conquer them.

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

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

Live life to the fullest no matter what.

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

At some points, hope was the only thing I had. When I began my journey toward walking again, I clung to hope like a life raft.

Who doesn't like to get dressed up and eat good food?

You know that feeling when your leg falls asleep and you can't really feel it or move it? Well, that's what my legs feel like all the time, so being fluid and graceful has been difficult.

We're a huge hockey family. I took to it really quickly, and I was in love with it.

Winning gold and three silver medals at the Paralympic games is something I'll never forget, but I knew deep down there was still more work to do. I had to continue to redefine what was possible and get back everything that was taken away from me.

The traditional tango is really staccato, but with the Argentine tango, you have to be really sexy and saucy.

'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.

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.

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

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

I made it to the top five on 'Dancing with the Stars.' To me, that was just a tremendous accomplishment.

I love to smile, even through pain.

It's actually more work for me to not smile than to smile.

I know from my experience as a swimmer that you put in the work and practice, and come game day, your body is ready, and you just have to trust your training.

It's important to believe in yourself and the beauty of your dreams and to not let anyone tell you different.

If mornings aren't your thing right now, try making yourself do a happy dance after you get out of bed. It helps me!

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.

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.