Paralympic champion Mallory Weggemann hasn’t limited her goals to swimming. Weggemann, who became paralyzed from the waist down 9 years ago, recently set a goal for herself outside of the pool. That goal was to walk down the aisle on her wedding day. She accomplished that goal on December 30th, 2016, when she married her husband Jay.
You can watch a video of Weggemann walking down the aisle here. After her wedding, she took to her website to talk about her experience. The following is a quote from Weggemann:
“Today, here I am just nearly a week shy from my 9 year anniversary of my paralysis and as I look toward my anniversary next week I realize that this year more than ever before I am in a place of peace with what happened that day. I will celebrate my 9 year anniversary with my husband by my side, a man that for years I could have only dreamed of and a man that was brought into my life when I needed him most. For me this journey isn’t solely about walking down the aisle on our wedding day, this is a journey about finding love. A love so strong that it knows no limits. Thank you to everyone that played a role in making our dreams come true on December 30th and thank you to everyone who has supported this dream, stood beside me throughout it and helped us make it a reality. That moment means more than words could ever express!”
Weggemann, who became paralyzed from the waist down 9 years ago, has developed into one of the best swimmers in the world. She currently holds an astonishing 15 World Records and 34 American Records. Weggemann is a decorated Paralympian, and holds medals from several high-level national and international meets such as the Paralympics, IPC Swimming World Championships, and Pan Pac Championships.
Currently holds 15 World Records? Bit of an over exaggeration I think. Im sure I counted approx 10. Anyway congrats Mallory on walking down the isle. Hard work and determination got you there.
Isn’t this why Victoria Arlen was classed out, because the potential for her to walk again existed? Not trying to stir the pot. Happy for her marriage and that she was able to make it down the aisle on her wedding day, but I don’t see how something like this wouldn’t raise eyebrows in the para world.
This isn’t walking. Victoria was classed out because sometimes (in cases of transverse myelitis resulting in paralysis over durations somewhat shorter than Victoria’s) spontaneous recoveries happen. Essentially she might get bitten by a radioactive spider and walk again therefore her impairment wasn’t permanent.
But Victoria does walk, dance, do push ups, squats, rides the peloton, etc. etc. now…
Interesting walk there from the supposedly paralyzed Paralympic champion/World Record Holder. Not going to help her case for reclassification. IPC should take a second look at that one.
you think she is faking paralysis? That is not “walking” in the video . Please tell me you are not serious.
Congrats! Cannot be more happy for her.