Amy Van Dyken-Rouen Honored At CSU With Street Name

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) – There was a big honor for Colorado native Amy Van Dyken-Rouen on Friday as she got a big salute from her alma mater, Colorado State University.

The former Olympian swimmer is recovering after an ATV accident left her partially paralyzed.

Over and over on Friday people on campus could be heard saying how great it was to see the Olympic medalist back at CSU after a very trying few months. She served as grand marshal for the homecoming parade on The Oval, which wraps right around the new Amy Van Dyken Way.

Van Dyken-Rouen, who was born in Colorado, calls CSU more than an alma mater. She says it's her place where she can reunite with her people – such as former coach John Mattos.

Now Van Dyken-Rouen's place has a street named just for her.

"This is probably one of the most surreal things ever," she said.

Since suffering life-altering injuries in the ATV crash in June, Van Dyken-Rouen has shown remarkable spirit and strength. In naming a piece of campus property after the swimming star, the university hopes to inspire students.

"Sometimes life is going to suck, but you look at what's going on and you analyze it, take it for what it is, and then move on," she said.

During her time at CSU, Van Dyken-Rouen set American and U.S. records. Mattos trained her for Olympic competitions, where she earned six gold medals.

"That takes so much courage, and that's what this young lady has, and that's what she is facing now," Mattos said.

Van Dyken-Rouen welcomed the chance to relive her college days.

It marked the first time the university has named any street after an alum.

She also made an appearance at the homecoming football game on Saturday.

More Amy Van Dyken-Rouen Stories