McKenzie Coan

Started: She began swimming in 2001 at age five. (Athlete, 07 Jan 2016) Reason: "I did therapy at the local aquatic centre while my brothers swam on the swim team. I saw how much fun they were having and it did not take long for me to join. The water provided me a certain sense of freedom that I couldn't and still can't get anywhere else today." (Instagram profile, 13 Nov 2020; Athlete, 07 Jan 2016) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (teamusa.org, 06 Jun 2022) Awards: In 2017 she received an award recognising her sporting achievements from the Georgia State Senate in the United States of America. (nowhabersham.com, 09 Mar 2017) Additional Info: MENTALITY She credits her mental strength for allowing her to overcome her impairment. "It's taken a lot of reflection and a lot of mental training to get to this place [mentally]. Every single setback and every single piece of adversity I've ever faced has given me so much in my life. My mum and I, from very early on, came up with this system. When something bad happens to me, I'm given two days to wallow in it. I can be angry at the world, cry, let it out. But after that point, you no longer allow your emotions to overcome you. It's all about making the most of every day." (swimmingworldmagazine.com, 16 Feb 2021; Paralympic Games YouTube channel, 26 Jul 2020) BOOK In 2021 she released her autobiography titled 'Breaking Free: Shattering Expectations and Thriving with Ambition in Pursuit of Gold'. She co-authored the book alongside writer Holly Neumann. "While writing my book, I realised that swimming is what gave me my freedom." (teamusa.org, 06 Sep 2021; amazon.com, 11 Aug 2021; cgsportspublishing.com, 01 Feb 2022) OTHER ACTIVITIES She was appointed a keynote speaker at the 2019 LEAD Sports Summit conference in Atlanta, GA, United States of America. She also started her own outreach programme called Kenzie Kares. "I get the privilege of meeting and talking to children with physical disabilities and life-threatening illnesses by visiting hospitals around the United States of America." (mckenziecoan.com, 01 Jan 2021; digitaljournal.com, 24 Jun 2019; Athlete, 07 Jan 2016) OCCUPATION She has worked in the office of student development at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, MD, United States of America. (LinkedIn profile, 16 May 2021)

Sporting Relatives: Her brother Eli has competed in swimming at collegiate level in the United States of America. (goheels.com, 01 Aug 2019; swimmingworldmagazine.com, 01 Jul 2019)