Six-time Olympic golden girl swimmer, Amy Van Dyken Rouen, severed her spine in an ATV accident Friday in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Rouen, 46, is reported to be in good condition and will be undergoing surgery this week.
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A police report said the ATV that Rouen was driving hit a curb, sending Rouen down an embankment. Rouen, who was not wearing a helmet, could not move her legs and was taken to a hospital.
Her husband is former Denver Broncos punter Tom Rouen.
Tom, who was present, described the aftermath of the accident,
“She wasn’t breathing,” he said. “I raised up the back of her neck with my hand, she started gasping for air.”
“The USA Swimming family is devastated to learn of Amy Van Dyken’s unfortunate accident this weekend,” the organization said in a statement. “We’re happy to hear that she escaped and is now in great care. That she is already ‘acting like her typical spunky, boisterous, ebullient self’ shows she’s on a great path.”
“Amy is a champion who has proven throughout her life that she is a fighter who takes on challenges and comes out on top. We know Amy will tackle her rehabilitation with vigor and be back on her feet sooner rather than later,” it said. source
Rouen tweeted from her hospital bed: “Never get us all together anymore. This is amazing. I have the best family.”