From breaking bones to breaking free: How I found an unbreakable mindset | McKenzie Coan | TEDxEmory
In From Breaking Bones to Breaking Free: How I Found an Unbreakable Mindset and Won Gold, Coan shares how navigating life with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a genetic condition that causes fragile bones, led her to develop what she calls her “unbreakable mindset,” allowing Coan to view her challenges as things that have happened for her, rather than to her. Coan will share how this perspective has helped her to become a world-class Paralympic Swimmer, competing in four Paralympic Games and winning four Gold Medals for Team USA despite the 100+ fractures she endured. Coan hope to show others that no diagnosis or obstacle has the power to dictate what one is capable of achieving. McKenzie Coan is a four-time Paralympian, seven-time Paralympic Medalist, ten-time World Champion, and two-time World Record Holder in Paralympic Swimming.
Diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle bone disease) at 19 days old, doctors predicted McKenzie would never sit, stand, walk, or talk. Despite breaking over a hundred bones, she has defied expectations and lives a life beyond limitations.
McKenzie began swimming at age six, joining her brothers on the local swim team. Her favorite moments in the sport came from competing alongside able-bodied athletes, often with broken bones, showing people that in the water, everyone is equal. Inspired by the Paralympic Games, McKenzie dreamed of representing Team USA on the world stage. Her journey to Paralympic Gold has been filled with challenges, but her perseverance and mindset have redefined what's possible, inspiring others to achieve their goals. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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