Associated Press -- SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Six-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Amy Van Dyken severed her spine in an all-terrain vehicle accident over the weekend, and she told emergency workers she could not move her toes or feel anything touching her legs.
The 41-year-old swimmer, who goes by her married name Amy Van Dyken Rouen, was injured Friday. She was airlifted to a hospital and had surgery to stabilize her spine.
Swimmer Amy Van Dyken won four gold medals at the 1996 Atlanta Games, becoming the first U.S. female athlete to do so at an Olympics. She added two more golds at the 2000 Games in Sydney.
Hospital spokeswoman Alice Giedraitis didn't provide details Monday on Rouen's injuries. She said the swimmer was in good condition Monday afternoon.
A letter from the Van Dyken and Rouen families said she severed her spinal cord at the T11 vertebrae and that the broken vertebrae came within millimeters of rupturing her aorta.
Ouch! Amy Van Dyken Rouen injured
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SportsFan68
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Ouch! Amy Van Dyken Rouen injured
-- In Iroquois society, leaders are encouraged to remember seven generations in the past and consider seven generations in the future when making decisions that affect the people.
-- America would be a better place if leaders would do more long-term thinking. -- Wilma Mankiller
-- America would be a better place if leaders would do more long-term thinking. -- Wilma Mankiller
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Ritterskoop
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Re: Ouch! Amy Van Dyken Rouen injured
She tweeted twice yesterday and once today.
I looked at some T11 explanations and although it is obviously very serious, it looks like she will do as well as can be expected if she is permanently paralyzed (being already well-muscled up top from swimming).
I looked at some T11 explanations and although it is obviously very serious, it looks like she will do as well as can be expected if she is permanently paralyzed (being already well-muscled up top from swimming).
If you fail to pilot your own ship, don't be surprised at what inappropriate port you find yourself docked. - Tom Robbins
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At the moment of commitment, the universe conspires to assist you. - attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
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At the moment of commitment, the universe conspires to assist you. - attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.