Background
Arlen was born in Boston, Massachusetts.
Arlen was born in Boston, Massachusetts.
Arlen lost the use of her legs due to a rare viral disease called transverse myelitis which also left her in a coma for nearly three years. She competed at the 2012 Summer Paralympics held in London, England, winning a total of four medals: one gold and three silver. She currently lives in Exeter, New Hampshire, where she attends Exeter High School.
When she is not swimming, she enjoys acting, reading, modeling, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
In June 2012, Arlen took the S6 400 m Freestyle world record at the American Paralympic trials. In September 2012, Arlen competed at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, England.
On August 10, 2013, Arlen was deemed ineligible to compete in the IPC World Championships after medical tests "failed to prove conclusive evidence of a permanent eligible impairment". She later stated that she was "heartbroken" at the decision.