The young disabled swim champ inspiring others

Nathan became a top schoolboy in disability swimming in Scotland

Nathan McKechnie says that when he gets in the water the world quietens and he feels free - but that was not always the case.

Eighteen-year-old Nathan has autism, ADHD and dorsal stream dysfunction which means he is also partially sighted.

Growing up, it meant he sometimes struggled with daily life tasks and swimming was no different.

Nathan’s mum Mandy said he would stand in the corner crying and would not take part so she had to find a group that supported his needs.

“We found a disability club and he quickly moved up the ranks and it gave him confidence and made him believe he can achieve the things he wants to achieve in life,” his mum says.

Nathan became top schoolboy in disability swimming in Scotland.

“I was a wee 14-, 15-year-old boy and I was competing against a 42-year-old, and I would beat him," he says.

"He wasn’t too happy about it but it was a fun experience.”

Nathan now works as a swim coach as part of the national Learn to Swim programme

Nathan was selected for the Special Olympics in Liverpool 2020 just before the pandemic hit.

The lockdown that followed meant he never made it there.

And last year, he was diagnosed with a hole in his heart which led to the difficult decision to give up competitive swimming.

Nathan said: “I couldn’t come to terms with it to be honest, I very much just distanced myself from swimming completely.

"My teacher then said there was a coaching opportunity for swimming and I jumped on top of that as soon as he said so.”

'You've got to play the cards you've been dealt'

Nathan now works as a swim coach in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, as part of the national Learn to Swim programme.

He teaches children of all abilities and says he wants to show others with additional support needs that there is nothing stopping them from pursuing their dreams.

“I have kids tell me, 'I’m in swim club now', and just to hear that really brings me joy and pride.

"I think to myself, I helped you get there. I just really makes me feel good about myself.

"You’ve got to play with the cards you’ve been dealt. You can’t change them, but you can use them to your advantage.

"I’m proof of it. I can stand here and say it doesn’t matter what you have you can do anything you set your mind to.”