Q&A with McKenzie Coan: Yes, I can do it
By Tracy Orzel
Updated Mon March 30, 2020
Paralympian McKenzie Coan has signed on to be Numotion's newest spokeswoman. HME News recently spoke to the three-time gold medalist swimmer about falling in love with swimming and what her plans are after the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.
HME News: How old were you when you started swimming?
McKenzie Coan: My physical therapist recommended aqua therapy when I was three or four. My two brothers joined the swim team before me and I would look over from the baby pool and I remember thinking, “They look like they're having fun, I bet I could beat them.» The next couple of months after that I was on the swim team and I fell in love with it. Swimming gives me a way to show others that I can do it, even if they say I can›t.
HME: Can you remember a time when you were underestimated?
Coan: It was at our district swim meet. I pulled up behind the block in my little purple wheelchair and I ended up winning the race. I went over to shake the girl's hand in the lane next to me and she was crying. I was like, “Don't cry; you did great!” And she was like, “I got beat by a girl in a wheelchair.”
HME: How do you feel about being a role model for people with disabilities?
Coan: It's not about the medals; it's not about the world records—those are just things. It's really about meeting with people, connecting with others and maybe, just maybe, being able to have an impact on somebody else's life. I just want to show others what's possible. The only limits in front of you are the ones that you put there. hme
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