Victoria Arlen
ESPN On-air Personality Author, "Locked In" Gold Medalist
Victoria Arlen’s life drastically changed in 2006, at the tender age of eleven, when she developed two rare conditions known as Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis.
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Full Bio
Victoria Arlen’s life drastically changed in 2006, at the tender age of eleven, when she developed two rare conditions known as Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis. Suddenly in an incredibly rare scenario, Victoria quickly lost the ability to speak, eat, walk and move. She slipped into a vegetative state and spent nearly four years “locked” inside her own body, completely aware of what was going on, just unable to move or communicate. Doctors believed there was little hope of survival, and recovery was unlikely. Victoria, however, was not ready to give up. After almost four years, she began the nearly impossible fight back to life. Defying all odds, she learned how to speak, eat and move all over again. Today she is an ESPN On-air personality, author, and motivational speaker. She is world-famous not only for her story and accomplishments but for her message, “Face It, Embrace It, Defy It, Conquer It.” Armed with her powerful life story and eagerness to share the profound lessons she’s learned – and earned – along the way, Victoria uplifts her audiences and encourages them to examine the seemingly small glimpses and moments of hope.
Victoria’s story became widely known after a stellar swim career that includes three Silvers and a Gold medal from the London 2012 Paralympic Games and multiple World, American, and Pan American Records. In April 2015, Victoria transitioned from professional athlete to sportscaster and joined ESPN as one of the youngest on-air talents hired by the company and reports and hosts across all platforms. After spending nearly a decade in a wheelchair paralyzed from the waist down, Victoria exceeded all expectations and took her first steps in 2016. And by Fall 2017, she learned to dance as a contestant – and fan favorite – on Season 25 of Dancing with the Stars.
In addition to her public speaking and TV career, Victoria is passionate about helping others and serves as the Founder and Co-Chair of Victoria’s Victory Foundation – a nonprofit that assists those living with disabilities to achieve their own personal victory.
In 2018, she published her story, Locked In: The Will to Survive and the Resolve to Live. And in April of the same year, ESPN Films debuted a 30 for 30 titled “Locked In” based on Victoria’s story at the Tribeca Film Festival. Victoria was a contributing producer for the film. Victoria later became the face of Jockey and debuted her signature clothing line “Jockey by Victoria Arlen” in 2019. That summer, Victoria was announced as the new host of America Ninja Warrior jr, Season 2, which aired in February 2020.
In the last year, Victoria has branched into more creative spaces in acting, producing, fashion, and hosting with various projects currently in the works.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
FACE IT, EMBRACE IT, DEFY IT, CONQUER IT
BLINK, BUT DON’T MISS IT: FINDING HOPE AND INSPIRATION IN THE SMALLEST OF MOMENTS
LOCKED IN: A STORY OF SURVIVAL, SECOND CHANCES, AND LIVING ON PURPOSE
Videos
Every Mother’s Worst Nightmare | Victoria Arlen Inspirational Documentary | Goalcast
She Went From Paralyzed To Dancing With The Stars - This Video Shares Her Incredible Story
News
Testimonials
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