As someone who's witnessed neurological challenges and success through my own son's journey, the story I’m sharing in this episode of Real Confidence resonated extremely deeply. 

During her senior year as a competitive swimmer at Bryant University, Nicole Salzano experienced a life-altering health event after swimming the 500 freestyle in the Northeast Conference Championship: a massive stroke that doctors believed would permanently disable her. They told her parents she would never walk, talk, or use her right arm again. 

Nicole had lost her future opportunities as a competitive swimmer and many other graduation goals, but her response to this was anything but defeated. Her athletic background as a swim team captain became her greatest asset. With incredible determination, she embarked on an intensive recovery journey.

Her recovery wasn't quick or easy. It took three and a half years of rigorous therapy - speech, occupational, physical - with countless repetitive exercises. She experienced burnout, pushed through, and ultimately returned to her passion by becoming a swim coach, teaching children the sport she loves.

What struck me most was Nicole's strength of spirit. She transformed a potentially devastating medical event into a powerful narrative of hope and possibility. Her approach wasn't just about physical recovery, but about redefining her own potential and leaning into her real and unshakable confidence.

Highlights from our conversation include:

Nicole tracks her recovery journey on Instagram. You can find and follow her @nicole.salzano.