Victoria Arlen

Victoria Arlen is an American television host, sportscaster, motivational speaker, and former Paralympic swimmer. She joined ESPN in 2015 after covering the Special Olympics World Games and has since reported from major sporting events, including the X Games and ESPYs. Arlen also co-hosted American Ninja Warrior Junior and competed on Dancing with the Stars, finishing fifth during its 25th season.

Overview

Victoria Arlen 's Profile

Victoria Arlen was born on September 26, 1994, in Exeter, New Hampshire, one of triplets. At age 11, she developed transverse myelitis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, conditions that caused years of paralysis. She resumed swimming during recovery and won a gold and three silver medals at the 2012 Paralympics. She learned to walk again in 2016 after nearly a decade using a wheelchair.

In December 2015, at age 20, Arlen joined ESPN as a features reporter. She went on to host SportsCenter, SportsNation, and Hoop Streams. She also filled in on First Take and reported from the X Games, Invictus Games, ESPYs, and Frozen Four. In 2017, she competed on Dancing with the Stars, reaching the semi-finals.

In 2020, Arlen became a co-host of American Ninja Warrior Junior on NBC and Peacock. As of 2026, she continues to host SportsCenter across ESPN’s platforms and contributes to major event coverage. Beyond her television career, she leads Victoria’s Victory Foundation, a nonprofit that supports people with mobility challenges. She is also a published author with two books, her 2018 memoir Locked In and The View Is Worth It, released in May 2026.

Quick Facts

4
Shows Hosted

[tvhost_current_show_count]
Shows Currently Hosting
Post type: tv_hosts
Host ID: 504741
Shows field: Array
(
    [0] => 502340
    [1] => 502573
    [2] => 504137
    [3] => 502609
)

20
Years Active

50
Awards Won

TV Shows​

A list of television shows hosted by this host, including current programs and previous presenting roles.

Networks

A list of Networks that this host has worked for.

Personal Life

Family, relationships and background

      Education

      Educational background and qualifications

      • Exeter High School (Exeter, NH) — did not follow a standard timeline due to illness; later returned and completed high school.
      • Associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University

      Net Worth & Income

      Income sources, net worth, and properties.

      • Primary income from her ESPN on-air salary as a host and reporter across SportsCenter and event coverage.
      • Speaking fees from motivational engagements booked through multiple speaker bureaus.
      • Book royalties from two titles, Locked In (2018) and The View Is Worth It (2026).

      Awards

      Awards & recognition

      • Forbes 30 Under 30 — Sports (2024)
      • Paralympic Games — Gold Medal, 100-meter freestyle S6 (2012)
      • Paralympic Games — 3 Silver Medals, 400-meter freestyle S6, 50-meter freestyle S6, 4x100 m freestyle relay (2012)