Paralympian swimmer Victoria Arlen, who bagged a gold medal during the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, is about to explore a new frontier soon. She is set to compete in the hit dancing reality competition “Dancing With The Stars,” performing professional-level dance styles.
Arlen is physically challenged because of her condition. When she was 11 years old, she was diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and transverse myelitis which impeded some of her motor skills. She lost her ability to speak, walk, move, and eat. Her ESPN profile said that doctors believed she had small chances of survival and recovery.
Last Wednesday, “Good Morning America” announced that she is one of the official celebrities competing in the 25th season of “Dancing With The Stars.” For several years, the show has featured performances between a celebrity and a dance pro performing various styles such as ballroom, lyrical, and tango.
‘Dream come true’
In her recent interview with the morning show, there was video footage shown that revealed her training in the gym as she learns to walk with the aid of harnesses and certain equipment. Arlen said, “This is definitely something of a Dream Come True, something I’ve always wanted to do but never really knew how I can have the chance given the circumstances.”
She added that learning to walk was a lot easier than learning how to dance, which left the hosts giggling.
Her ESPN profile also said that she did her best to regain her health by turning vegetarian and relearning everything about her daily tasks.
Arlen will be paired with dance pro Valentin Chmerkovskiy. This professional dancer has Ukrainian roots and has won the United States editions of “Dancing With The Stars” twice.
Arlen is also a successful motivational speaker and model.
During the Paralympic Games in London, she also won three silver medals apart from her gold medal. Can she be a record-breaking dancer too?
Competition begins soon
“Dancing With The Stars” season 25 will feature celebrities such as singer Jordan Fisher, 80's pop star Debbie Gibson, singer Nick Lachey, TV personality Vanessa Lachey, actress Sasha Pieterse, “Property Brothers” host Drew Scott, and violinist Lindsey Stirling.
They are going head to head with professional athletes such as wrestling pro Nikki Bella, former NBA player Derek Fisher, and former NFL player Terrell Owens. The show will air its first episode live on ABC on September 18.
