Triumph over Tragedy: Mallory Weggemann at TEDx UNPlaza 2013

This video is courtesy of TEDx. Also, many thanks to Jeremy Snyder, managing partner of The Factory Agency, for sending swimswam this media.

Mallory Weggemann / TEDx via youtube: 

In 2008, Mallory Weggemann, a talented swimmer and college freshman, received an epidural injection to help treat back pain, but complications with the procedure left her paralyzed from the waist down. Mallory has remained on a positive life trajectory, and never lost her competitive drive. She found herself back in the pool just a few months later, but this time adjusting to a new set of rules without having the use of her legs. Since then, she has had a fruitful career as a Paralympic swimmer; winning Gold in the S8 50 meter freestyle at the 2012 London Olympics, doing so in record time. If given the choice to go back in time, she would never change what happened, as that is what has made her into the strong, brave person she is today.

Connect with Mallory’s inspiring journey on twitter @malloryweggeman

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Event Production handled by BLi (briteliteimmersive.com)

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10 years ago

Wow quite a remarkable truly inspiring story! Thank you for sharing! I will share with all my swim families. Amen to you and your amazing strength and opening up eyes that have blinders! Thank you

About Gold Medal Mel Stewart

Gold Medal Mel Stewart

MEL STEWART Jr., aka Gold Medal Mel, won three Olympic medals at the 1992 Olympic Games. Mel's best event was the 200 butterfly. He is a former World, American, and NCAA Record holder in the 200 butterfly. As a writer/producer and sports columnist, Mel has contributed to Yahoo Sports, Universal Sports, …

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