Olympic champion to start rehab after severing spine in ATV accident

Staff Writer

June 12, 2014 11:26 AM PT

Amy Van Dyken-Rouen, the Olympic swimming champion who severed her spine in an accident last week, will be transported to a Colorado hospital for rehabilitation.

Van Dyken-Rouen was hurt in an all-terrain vehicle crash in Arizona on Friday. She was reportedly riding through the parking lot of a golf club and was launched through the air when she hit a curb.

It was not yet known if she will be paralyzed.

“Was in MRI until 4:00am today (started at 11:30pm) did whole spine and brain, and so far, so good,” she tweeted on Thursday morning. “Yes, I have a brain!”

The six-time gold medalist, who is married to former Denver Broncos punter Tom Rouen, stated that she will soon move to Craig Hospital in Denver.

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David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

Olympic champion to start rehab after severing spine in ATV accident

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