Nearly 2,000 members of the Exeter community packed into the High School gymnasium to see the 17-year-old from Boston, with the plaudits led by New Hampshire Governor John Lynch (pictured top, left).

"The enthusiasm in this room is unbelievable," Lynch said.

"All of us in New Hampshire are so proud of Victoria.

"We're so honoured she was over in London representing New Hampshire.

"All of us face adversity at some time.

"The challenge is working through it and she did that."

The swimmer herself admitted she was stunned to receive such an enthusiastic reception.

"It's surreal," said Arlen, who lost the use of legs from a rare spinal cord disease that nearly took her life.

"I feel so blessed to have an incredible state and country behind me.

"It's meant the world to me."

The rivalry between Victoria Arlen and Ellie Simmonds in the Aquatics Centre helped light up the London 2012 Paralympics

When she was 11, Arlen was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord which left her paralysed from the waist down.

The condition left her in a vegetative state for more than two years.

But Arlen recovered to qualify for the London 2012 Paralympics and take four medals in some of the standout races of the Games against home favourite Simmonds in the S6 category, including the 100 metre freestyle final where she won gold.

Her feats in the pool were all the more impressive because just days before the start of the competition, Arlen was reclassified by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and banned from the Games.

But US Paralympics appealed the decision and the ban was overturned, allowing her to compete.

"I didn't win all those medals by myself, it was my family too" Arlen said.

"I couldn't have asked for a better support system.

"They've gotten me through some of the toughest times."

Exeter High Principal Sean Kiley also heaped praise on Arlen.

"She's everything we hope to develop in our students," said Kiley.

"She's smart, articulate, and bright."

Victoria Arlen a gold medal and three silvers at London 2012

Arlen is now focused on finishing her senior year at Exeter High before targeting more medal glory at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

"I would like to go after it again," Arlen said.

"I love the sport."

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