Amy Van Dyken-Rouen’s remarkable recovery continues.
The six-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer, who severed her spine in an ATV accident two months ago, posted videos to Instragram on Thursday of herself taking steps with the help of a bionic exoskeleton and a walker.
One caption said: “Here it is…I’m WALKING!!! #onestepatatime #itcouldhappen.”
The 41-year-old Van Dyken-Rouen, who is married to former Giants and Broncos punter Tom Rouen, reported no feeling in her legs and feet immediately after being injured in Arizona on June 6, but later felt sporadic movement.
She has documented her rehabilitation extensively on Instagram, presenting an unvarnished but unmistakably hopeful outlook on the long recovery process.
“It’s been a lot of smiles, and a lot of laughs and a lot of ‘woo-hoos,’ and a lot of singing,” she said upon her release from the hospital last week, according to USA Today. “There’s been a lot of tears shed for sure. This is not easy. And I don’t want to portray the fact that because I have a smile on my face that it really is easy. It’s really not.”
Here is a sample of Van Dyken-Rouen’s inspirational Instragram feed:
June 10: Doing great today. My room is the most decorated in ICU. Thx for ur thoughts & prayers!
June 13: Happy Friday! No more surgeries for this girl, so I celebrate with Froot Loops… SHHH, don’t tell! #GettingStronger
June 14: My first transfer to a wheel chair is complete. I was boot scooting all over the halls.
June 17: For those who have been asking.. Here is the incision on my back. Healing fast! #PrayersAreWorking
June 23: OMG… I’m standing. I have a lot of help, but I’m still up! #werk
June 28: Tom came to pick me up.. And I’m off for the day. #likeAFirstDate #excited
July 13: The niece and I on a mission. Must. Find. Funnel. Cake! #loveHer
July 29: Drove again today! Didn’t run anyone over, and didn’t get arrested.. That equals a success! #zoom
Aug. 2: Going out of the hospital today! Don’t forget to turn Beast Mode on today. #BeastMode #freedom