Following the results of their competitive tests, American Record holders Ian Silverman and McKenzie Coan have officially been reclassified. The “bench” test and “in water” test were both conducted on Tuesday. The final competitive test involved observing the swimmers in competition, which took place on Thursday at the German International Championships.
Silverman, a sophomore swimmer at USC, has cerebral palsy, which affects body movement and muscle coordination. He was the 2012 Paralympic champion in the 400 free in the S10 class (athletes with the least-severe impairment), and holds 25 American Records in the S10 class (12 SCY records, 13 LCM records).
Silverman has been classed as an S10/SB9/SM10, meaning he will compete in the 10 category for freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, and IM races; and as a 9 in the breaststroke races.
Coan, meanwhile, holds multiple American Records as a freestyler in the S8 class. She has been reclassified as an S7/SB6/SM7. Coan is now an immediate Paralympic medal favorite in the S7 class.
The news about Silverman and Coan is great, but let’s look at who else was classified. Ukraine just got their 2nd S10 swimmer through who use to be on the UKRAINIAN National Team. He’s posting top 5 in the world times and has swum even faster in the last 2 years. The Rio games are going to be a joke and the IPC is turning a blind eye to these athletes (Dubrov and Krypak). The world will be watching and there is no way they’re going to get invested in a system that clearly allows cheating. It’s a disgrace!
McKenzie you’ve earned this girl! See you both soon! TEAM USA!
Way to go Kenzie!!! I can’t wait to see what is up next for you in the months to come. We will be cheering you all the way to a gold.
We are so proud of you, McKenzie!! You are such an inspiration! We know you are going to do awesome in Rio and we love following your journey and seeing what the future holds for you!
Whoop whoop! So proud of you McKenzie!
Mckenzie
SO proud of you and looking forward to see what the future holds!!
Watch out RIO, here she comes.
I’m so happy for you Kenzie . I’m so glad to call you a friend ! You never cease to amaze me !! Way to go !! Good luck ok the future
Way to go McKenzie! You always rock the pool.