Victoria Arlen

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

“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.”

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

“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.”

“The moment when you feel like giving up is right before your breakthrough.”

“There's always going to be something positive that can come out of any negative situation.”

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

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

“Swimming is still very much a part of me.”

“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.”

“When I was 11 years old, I got very sick and slipped into a vegetative state for four years and was pretty much written off as a lost cause.”

“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.”

“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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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