Paralympian McKenzie Coan Keynotes CHRISTUS ‘Lunch with an Olympian’ in January

Professional swimmer, public speaker, disability advocate, and author, McKenzie Coan, will speak with youth athletes and coaches during a special CHRISTUS “Lunch with an Olympian,” on Saturday, Jan. 27.

The free luncheon is part of “Girl Power,” which is hosted by the Junior League of Tyler, and will be held on the first floor of the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute in Tyler from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances is proud to partner with the Junior League in bringing such a strong female athlete to our community,” said Jason Proctor, ministry president, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances. “McKenzie is an inspiration to athletes across the country and we are very much looking forward to hearing her inspiring message of perseverance.”

Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, commonly referred to as brittle bone disease, Coan made her first U.S. Paralympic swim team in 2012 and has been part of Team USA every year since.

In 2016, she won four medals in Rio de Janeiro, including three gold. At the 2020 Tokyo games, she defended her title in the 400-meter freestyle and took second in the 100 freestyle.

She is an eight-time world champion and two-time world record holder.

Coan published her first book, Breaking Free – Shattering Expectations and Thriving with Ambition in Pursuit of Gold, in 2021. The memoir explains why she believes her genetic condition happened for her – not to her – and how she lives an unexpectedly full life while performing at the top of her sport.

 

“This is such a great opportunity for folks in our community to hear from and learn from such an accomplished athlete and person,” said Anne Pileggi, chief operating officer, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital. “We want folks to listen to her story, get energized, and be motivated to reach the highest levels.”

 

The luncheon is free and attendees are encouraged to RSVP, here.