Olympic gold medalist swimmer Amy Van Dyken is showing an increased appreciation for life after an ATV accident this summer severed her spinal cord and left her paralyzed.
Following grueling rehabilitation, the athlete, who says she’s “on borrowed time,” was
able to stand on her own in August, Today.com reported.
“My life, and its meaning have changed dramatically,” Van Dyken wrote for Today.com’s “2014 Voices” series. “I see life differently now. I know it is more precious and fragile.”
Describing an increased appreciation for the time she has with family and friends, Van Dyken wrote that 2015 will be the best year yet as she launches The Amy Van Dyken Foundation to help people with spinal cord injuries.
“Yep, 2014 is ending and it didn’t end how I thought it would. In some ways, it’s ending better than I could have imagined. I just can’t wait to see how awesome 2015 is going to be,” Van Dyken wrote.
Van Dyken is determined to walk again.
"There is a possibility that that milestone of me walking again may happen,”
Van Dyken told ABC’s Robin Roberts for a special "The Year: 2014." "Will I do it under my own power? Probably, because I’m hoping it’s going to be with braces, but will I do it without braces? I don’t know, but just that will be a milestone in and of itself, so let’s do it."
Twitter users applauded Van Dyken.
Related Stories:
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.