Olympian Amy Van Dyken-Rouen Takes 1st Assisted Steps Since Severing Spine

Ten months after severing her spine in an ATV accident, former Olympic swimmer Amy Van Dyken-Rouen took her first steps Friday.

As seen in these videos courtesy of Van Dyken-Rouen's Instagram account, the six-time Olympic gold medalist was able to walk with the aid of an exoskeleton and crutches:

The milestone moment occurred just days after the 42-year-old native of Denver reported on Twitter that reflexes had returned to her lower extremities:

Despite the difficult circumstances Van Dyken-Rouen has faced since the accident, she has managed to remain positive. In an interview with Jeff Metcalfe of USA Today back in October, Van Dyken-Rouen revealed that the injury has changed her outlook for the better:

"

Before this accident, I had lost faith in humanity. I watch enough reality TV to know there is a dark side of humanity out there. But at the same time, there's such a great part of humanity. The things people have done that don't know me, it blows you away. Before, I was a little cynical. Now I look for all the good.

"

The odds were seemingly stacked against Van Dyken-Rouen after such a horrific incident, but the fact that she is already able to walk has to be considered a great sign for her recovery moving forward.

Although it is unclear what the future holds for the former superstar athlete, her continued improvement is an inspirational tale that undoubtedly has people pulling for her.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter