S1E80 - Shattering Expectations with 6 Time Paralympic Medalist McKenzie Coan

Pursuit of Gold with Laura Wilkinson

Laura is back and she is joined by the truly exceptional McKenzie Coan, a Paralympic swimmer whose remarkable journey has resulted in thoroughly stellar achievements. McKenzie’s story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, demonstrating that anything is possible when you put your heart and mind to it. In today’s powerful conversation, she reveals the mindset skills that have fueled her success, and emphasizes the significance of resilience, determination, staying present, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.

From being diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta at just 19 days old, McKenzie's life has exceeded all expectations as she consistently defied limitations set by others. Through aqua therapy and unwavering support from her parents, McKenzie's love for water became a source of rejuvenation that propelled her to ultimately become a three-time U.S. Paralympian, a six-time Paralympic medalist, and a world record holder. In today’s episode, she delves into such topics as the emotional turmoil of team selection, the impact of the Paralympic Games, and the importance of mental strength in facing uncertainties leading up to the Tokyo Paralympics. McKenzie also offers her insights on adaptive sports, strength training, and the emotional rollercoaster of pursuing Paralympic excellence. Noting the profound impact of support from family, coaches, and teammates, she also highlights the power of embracing life's challenges to pursue your dreams with belief and determination. Join Laura and McKenzie here today for this remarkable journey of defying limitations and achieving greatness, as they reveal the fact that the pursuit of gold is not just about winning medals; it's about finding freedom in your passion and pushing yourself to new heights.

Episode Highlights:

• The belief McKenzie's parents instilled in her that anything was possible
• How swimming became McKenzie's refuge
• Balancing ambitious goals with living in the present moment
• How McKenzie’s discovery of the Paralympic Games inspired her
• The power of resilience and determination
• Overcoming adversity and pursuing dreams
• The emotional turmoil of team selection
• McKenzie’s journey towards Paris 2024
• Growth, resilience, and the power of rewiring the mind for success

Quotes:

• "Through every broken bone, every setback, every obstacle, McKenzie has never lost hope, and neither should you."
• "I think it is really good to have your mind already set in what your next goal might be or achieving the goal that you're just starting to work towards now."
• "For the first time in my life, I saw athletes who had a disability, who looked like me, with gold medals around their neck and… I realized that this dream is a possibility for me.”
• "The things that happen to us either become things that happen to us or things that happen for us. That's up to you to decide in the moment."
• "Everything I've been through in the last few years has led me to this moment. This is my time to go out and show them how strong I am."
• "Seeing all the athletes from all the other nations, and we're all so different…but we all are coming together to do one thing, and none of that matters for the next week or two."

Links:

• The Pursuit of Gold Website
• Grab the Top 10 Mental Skills Guide!

Laura’s Social Media:

• Laura’s Instagram
• Laura’s Facebook

Connect with McKenzie:

• McKenzie Coan's Website
• McKenzie Coan on Twitter
• McKenzie Coan on TikTok
• Breaking Free