The way Amy Van Dyken-Rouen used her pure physical strength to intimidate competitors was truly art.
Before the days of Michael Phelps, the world record-holding swimmer was one of the recognizable personalities that represented America. She took Atlanta’s 1996 summer games by storm, becoming the first female athlete to win four gold metals in a single year. Even receiving a crown jewel accomplishment of a being on a Wheaties box.
Van Dyken-Rouen’s life took a dramatic turn after an ATV accident in 2014, nearly killing her and leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. She underwent rehabilitation at nearby spinal cord injury leader Craig Hospital.