Coan made her debut for the United States at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. Her most memorable achievement came at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, where she won gold in the S7 400m freestyle. She credits her coach, Brian Loeffler, for instilling confidence in her. "When I'm behind the blocks thinking back on all the work we've put in, there isn't a doubt in my mind that I'm ready to step up and get the job done," she said.

Challenges and Resilience

Coan has faced several challenges throughout her career. She missed the 2023 World Championships in Manchester due to Bell's palsy, a condition causing temporary facial weakness. In 2022, she fractured her knee in three places ahead of the World Championships in Madeira but recovered to win three gold medals at the event.

Personal Life and Interests

Outside of swimming, Coan enjoys reading, travelling, and spending time with friends. She speaks both English and Spanish and holds a degree in Political Science from Loyola University Maryland. Her brother Eli has also competed in collegiate-level swimming in the United States.

Philosophy and Mental Strength

Coan credits her mental strength for overcoming her impairment. "It's taken a lot of reflection and mental training to get to this place," she said. She follows a system developed with her mother: after facing adversity, she allows herself two days to process emotions before moving forward.

Ambitions and Future Plans

Looking ahead, Coan aims to compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Her dedication to swimming continues to drive her forward as she prepares for this significant event.

Other Endeavours

In addition to her athletic career, Coan is an accomplished author. In 2021, she released her autobiography titled 'Breaking Free: Shattering Expectations and Thriving with Ambition in Pursuit of Gold', co-authored with Holly Neumann. She has also worked in student development at Loyola University Maryland.

Community Engagement

Coan is actively involved in community outreach through her programme Kenzie Kares. She visits hospitals across the United States to meet children with physical disabilities and life-threatening illnesses. In 2019, she was a keynote speaker at the LEAD Sports Summit conference in Atlanta.

McKenzie Coan's journey is a testament to her resilience and dedication. As she sets her sights on the 2024 Paralympic Games, her story continues to inspire many within and beyond the sports community.