McKenzie Coan
Paralympic Gold Medalist Swimmer
McKenzie was diagnosed at a very young age with a condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or brittle bone disease. McKenzie has broken over 65 bones in her lifetime.
After undergoing numerous surgeries and spending months recovering in burdensome casts, McKenzie found swimming to be the light at the end of the tunnel. She continues to turn each and every challenge that comes her way into a new opportunity for growth.
Swimming has become the platform that has allowed McKenzie to share her incredible story of resilience and determination with the world. She is currently living and training in Baltimore for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
McKenzie is a two-time Olympian and four-time Paralympic medalist. In 2012, she qualified for her first US Paralympic team, and placed 6th in the 400 meter free at those London Games. Four years later, at the 2016 Rio Olympics, McKenzie had a true breakout meet—she reached the podium in four events, taking home three gold medals and one silver medal. Then, in 2018, McKenzie broke her first world record, by a staggering 37 seconds, in the S7 800 freestyle.
She is currently living and training in Baltimore for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Career Highlights:
- 2019 World Para Swimming Championships, 3x Gold Medalist & 2x Silver Medalist
- 2016 Rio Olympics, 3x Gold Medalist
- 2x Team USA Olympian, 2012 & 2016
- “Kenzie Kares” Founder, Outreach Program for Children with Life Threatening Illnesses
Corporate Work:
- Keynote Speaker, 2019 LEAD Sports Summit for Girls Keynote Speaker, 2019 Gulf Swimming Banquet
Current Partnerships:
- Adidas
- LendingTree
McKenzie’s Message:
- “The only disability in life is a bad attitude”
McKenzie Coan in the Delivering Jobs + SHRM Radio PSA:
McKenzie Coan in Delivering Jobs + SHRM Print Ads:
