Paralympic gold medalist McKenzie Coan uses positivity to inspire others

(NEXSTAR)— Four-time Paralympic gold medalist McKenzie Coan gives herself 24 hours to be upset about something before she is on to the next thing. The 27-year-old swimmer from Clarksville, Georgia credits her parents with her persistence and ability to always look on the bright side.

“A lot of the lessons that my parents taught me, I still am using today as an adult,” Coan said. “I could have 24 hours to be upset about something that happened. After those 24 hours were over, I had to figure out how we were gonna move forward.”

Coan was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta or brittle bone disease when she was a child and got started swimming during aquatic therapy.

“It’s just a part of me, and swimming is one of those outlets for me and I couldn’t imagine my life without it,” Coan said.

Coan said she doesn’t let her condition “control her life.” In 2021, she published a memoir titled “Breaking Free: Shattering Expectations and Thriving with Ambition in Pursuit of Gold.”

Coan is hoping to qualify for several events, including the 400-meter freestyle and the 100-meter backstroke. Team USA will compete for Paris team spots at the Paralympic Trials starting on June 27.

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