In January 2008 the then 18-year-old college freshman and keen swimmer walked into a medical clinic for a routine epidural injection and, after suffering complications which eventually left her paralysed from the waist down, she has never walked since.

It led to Weggemann turning to the Paralympics. 

Competing in the S7 category, she won five gold medals and broke six world records at the 2009 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Short Course Championships in Rio de Janeiro and took a stunning eight in a 50 metre pool in Eindhoven a year later, before being controversially re-classified into the tougher S8 division.

Once again, Weggemann rose to the challenge to win 2012 London Paralympic gold over 50 metres freestyle as well as a bronze medal in the 4x100m medley relay, where she moved her US squad up from fifth place on a memorable final leg.

Mallory Weggemann celebrating her gold medal after winning the 50m freestyle S8 category at London 2012


Alongside training for another Paralympic attempt at Rio 2016, the American is pursuing the one thing she has wanted since the very day she lost all feeling and movement in her legs, which is to walk again.

For years this was deemed impossible, but developments in customised leg braces and rehabilitation programs have created new opportunities and Weggemann is keen to grasp them with customary determination.

"Since my paralysis in 2008 I have dreamed of walking, I have dreamed of what it would be like to be up right and moving towards something again," she said.

"It is a dream that is hard to be so vocal about because it seems so simple; something that for most of my life was second nature until all of a sudden it was lost.

"Now I am ready to chase this dream but I know I can't do it alone."

Her insurance however has denied any coverage for braces or rehab and this has left her desperate for funding.

Mallory Weggemann attending the 2011 "Salute To Women In Sports" Gala in New York City 


She has set up a Indiegogo campaign entitled "Against all Odds - The Journey of New Mobility" with a personal goal of raising $50,000 (£33,000/€38,000) although any money raised in addition to that target will go towards helping other people who are in similar situations.

"This is a dream that I am not alone in, there are so many individuals out there in situations similar to mine," Weggemann said.

"It is my hope that through this campaign, I can allow others to believe in the possibilities that are there for them as well, but also help give them the financial means to make their dream a reality.

"I want this campaign to go beyond myself; I want to allow other individuals to achieve their dream of new mobility as well."

The campaign is due to run until September 8 and as well as donations via PayPal or credit card, she is seeking to share the message via email, Facebook and Twitter with the hash tag #againstallodds to raise awareness throughout as wide an audience as possible.

To find more information about how to donate, visit the indiegogo website here.