McKenna DeBever
McKenna DeBever
QUICK STATS
- Hometown: College Station, Texas
- Birthdate: June 5, 1996
- College: Texas A&M
- Coach: Matt Kredich
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- 2-time Olympian (2020 Tokyo Games and 2024 Paris Games)
- 18-time Peruvian National Record Holder
- 2-time South American Championship Gold Medalist
- 2-time SEC Team Champion
- SEC Individual Champion
- Texas A&M Record Holder (200-yard Backstroke, 200-yard Individual Medley)
EXPERIENCE
McKenna DeBever is a two-time Olympian, representing Peru at the 2020 Tokyo Games and the 2024 Paris Games. She says, “Representing Peru at the Olympic Games was a dream come true and a defining moment in my career. Being among the best athletes on the global stage reaffirmed my commitment to the sport and fueled my desire for continuous improvement.” McKenna specializes in freestyle, backstroke, and individual medley and has made her mark on the sport through her collegiate career and on the international stage.
DeBever says that while training for her first Olympics, navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic forced her to adapt and persevere through difficult training conditions. That experience instilled resilience and determination in her, shaping her career in a significant way. Prior to the Tokyo Olympics, McKenna swam for Texas A&M and the Bolles School Sharks where she trained alongside some of the world’s best swimmers. She says, “Training alongside legends elevated my performance and fueled my ambition. Witnessing the dedication of elite athletes left a lasting impression on me, inspiring me to push my boundaries.”
McKenna has been teaching swim lessons for the past ten years, and that experience has fueled her passion for teaching and helping young athletes grow both in and out of the water. She is a patient and effective teacher who likes to make Fitter and Faster Swim Camps fun and engaging. Of her teaching style, she says, “I have a demonstrated approach to teaching. In swimming, you must show, rather than tell when explaining different ideas or concepts to kids. After I demonstrate something, I ask questions to ensure camp participants understand and can replicate what I showed them.” She shares with camp participants the importance of maintaining a positive and resilient mindset. “Swimming is physically demanding, and mental toughness is crucial in overcoming challenges and setbacks.”
McKenna reminds Fitter and Faster camp participants that swimming is what you do, not who you are. She says, “While swimming is a significant part of our lives, it’s essential to maintain a healthy sense of identity beyond the pool. I’ve also learned that talent alone isn’t the key to success. Discipline and a strong work ethic can enable anyone to accomplish their swimming goals, regardless of their natural talent level.”
