[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 165 (Thursday, December 20, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S8299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO VICTORIA ARLEN

 Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and 
honor the success of Victoria Arlen of Exeter, NH. This summer, 
Victoria represented the United States in a number of swimming events 
at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.
  Victoria Arlen is an 18-year-old young woman who 7 years ago was 
diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a neurological disorder that causes 
inflammation of a section of the spinal cord. Victoria's resulting 
paralysis from the waist down has not damaged her determination or her 
competitive spirit, and her achievements this year have been truly 
remarkable.
  Victoria was a very active child prior to her diagnosis, and was 
involved in dancing, swimming, playing field hockey, lacrosse, and 
soccer. For more than 2 years, Victoria lived in a coma and only began 
swimming competitively again at the age of 16, and it came as no 
surprise to Victoria's family when the honors student earned a place on 
the U.S. Paralympic Team. In London, she competed in the 100-meter, 50-
meter, 400-meter and 4x100-meter relay freestyle events and the 100-
meter breaststroke event. Victoria set a world record and won a gold 
medal in the 100-meter freestyle, in her final competition, and earned 
silver medals in three of her other races.
  Victoria's determination in the face of adversity and ability to 
accomplish her goals demonstrate her strength of spirit and her quality 
of character. Citizens of New Hampshire are incredibly proud of her 
achievements; she is a role model and an inspiration. I am confident 
that her success at the 2012 Paralympic Games is one great 
accomplishment in what is certain to be a lifetime of impressive feats.
  Since 1960, the Paralympic Games have provided athletes who have 
certain physical disabilities the chance to compete in a broad range of 
sports and athletic events on the international level, providing them 
with an opportunity similar to that of their able-bodied counterparts. 
Victoria's inspiring performance throughout the 2012 Paralympic Games 
should serve as a reminder of the hard work and dedication required to 
succeed.
  I applaud and congratulate Victoria for her devotion and 
determination. I also commend her family, including her parents, 
Jacqueline and Larry, and her three brothers, Cameron, LJ, and William, 
for their role in her success. I know that her victories give her 
family, her friends, the Exeter community, and the State of New 
Hampshire great pride.
  I wish to recognize Victoria Arlen for her accomplishments and her 
victory in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, and I commend her 
dedication, maturity, and hard work. She is truly an inspiring young 
woman.

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