Swimmer Is Fighting a Ruling: She Is Not Disabled Enough By Sarah Hill
Being penalized for maybe having a glimmer of hope of one day being able to walk again is beyond sad
-Victoria Arlen, 19
Victoria Arlen is a nineteen-year-old American swimmer from Exeter, New Hampshire. She spent three years in a vegetative state because of an autoimmune disorder and woke up in 2010 with paralyzed legs. She was brought into the Paralympic movement from the support of the people very close to her. Even though she was suffering from this disorder she still had the strength to train hard and compete in many competitions.
It wasn’t until recently that she was unable to compete in the Paralympics because she was ruled as an “ineligible” competitor. The I.P.C believed that she wasn’t disabled enough to compete. Since during her past competitions, they noticed that she was able to kick in the water, but that’s not true. It’s all part of an optical illusion; she has no voluntary control over her legs. The I.P.C demanded a medical report of her condition but even though her condition worsened, she was still not allowed to compete.
Victoria Arlen is such an inspiring and strong person. She endured so much physical, emotional, and mental suffering due to her disorder, her training, and her current situation. The thought that she isn’t allowed to compete in the Paralympics is ridiculous. Competing is one of the only ways she can endure her disorder; it gives her hope that she will one day be able to move again. Her strength and motivation persuades her to train harder and fight for what she really wants.
And hopefully the I.P.C soon forgets about this ridiculous accusation and allows hers to compete, but until then don’t stop fighting Victoria!
