Victoria Arlen won four Paralympic medals, including one gold, at London 2012 ©Getty Images

Paralympic swimming gold medallist Victoria Arlen is set to launch a new career in broadcasting with ESPN, the United States-based global cable and satellite television channel.

The American won four medals at London, including a gold in the 100 metres freestyle S6 and has since become a high-profile spokesperson for those with disabilities.

The 21-year-old is due to start her new role next month, reporting for SportsCenter, ESPNW and the X Games.

Her first major assignment is due to be covering the X Games in Aspen in Colorado from January 28 until 31. 

“Absolutely a dream come true," Arlen told the New Hampshire Union Leader. 

"I feel very fortunate.”

Arlen was offered her new job after catching the eye of ESPN while covering the Special Olympic World Games in Los Angeles for the broadcaster last year.  

“We were so impressed by Victoria’s work for us covering the 2015 Special Olympic World Games over the summer, and we are thrilled to have her aboard and contributing across additional ESPN properties and platforms,” ESPN executive vice president for programming and production John Wildhack told the New Hampshire Union Leader.

“Victoria is an extremely talented and inspiring young woman who will be certain to bring an unique and diverse perspective to our content.”

Arlen lost the use of her legs due to a rare viral disease called transverse myelitis which also left her in a coma for nearly three years.

After her success at London 2012, where she also won three silver medals, New Hampshire Governor John Lynch honoured Arlen by declaring September 21, 2012 as "Victoria Arlen Day" for both her accomplishments in the Paralympics and her inspirational message about overcoming life's obstacles and personal disabilities.

Victoria Arlen impressed ESPN when she worked them during the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles ©ESPN
Victoria Arlen impressed ESPN when she worked them during the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles ©ESPN

Arlen quit swimming in 2013 after accusing the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) of "humiliating and targeting" her following a controversial ban from the IPC World Swimming Championships in Montreal. 

Following additional testing by the IPC, which it claimed had "failed to provide sufficient evidence of an eligible impairment".

Arlen was in a similar position before London 2012 after she was initially declared ineligible to compete but an appeal against her expulsion was upheld allowing her to take part.

Now she is focusing her energy on her new television role. 

“I don’t get nervous to the point where I can’t do my job,” she told the New Hampshire Union Leader.

”Sports and it’s ability to unite us is such a wonderful thing.

"To be part of the ESPN family is amazing.

"It doesn’t feel like a job.

"It’s my passion.”