Ian McKay: A journey of grit and determination

Photo source: Kingdom Games

by Taraneh Arhamsadr

We couldn’t be prouder of Ian McKay, one of Specialized Housing’s house members in South Portland, Maine. Diagnosed with autism at a young age and later developing a neuromuscular disorder, Ian has continually shown that with determination and passion, no challenge is too great. This past July, Ian took on his biggest swim yet—a 15-mile open-water challenge at Lake Memphremagog in Vermont. Though he didn’t complete the full distance, Ian swam an incredible 11.5 miles, setting a personal record and inspiring everyone around him.

For Ian, swimming is more than a sport—it’s his “happy place.” When he’s in the water, he finds a sense of calm and joy that carries him through even the toughest swims. The July 20 Lake Memphremagog swim was no different. Ian set off in the early hours of the morning with his team, which included his mother Shirley and crew members Phil White and Donna Dauphinais. The goal was to complete the full 15-mile course, which takes swimmers past several islands and scenic points, but Ian’s focus was simply on giving it his all.

The water temperature hovered between 74 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit, and Ian was well-prepared with his favorite fuel—apple-banana pouches, peanut butter cookies, and maple syrup. For over 13 hours, he swam with determination, tackling mile after mile. He passed landmarks like Ile Ronde and Skinner Island, and even saw Smugglers Cave along the way. But as the light began to fade, Ian’s energy started to wane, and his team made the decision to end the swim at 11.5 miles. While he didn’t reach the 15-mile mark, this was still the longest swim of his life, and his sense of accomplishment was undeniable.

This wasn’t Ian’s first major swimming challenge. In July 2022, he traveled to England to attempt a solo swim across the English Channel, one of the most difficult open-water swims in the world. After training for three years, often swimming for hours at a time along the coast of Maine, Ian was ready to take on the notorious 21-mile crossing. But the Channel had other plans. Strong currents forced his team to pull him from the water after he’d swim 9 miles over the course of five hours. Despite the setback, Ian’s smile never left his face. His coach, Will York, recalled how Ian remained positive throughout the entire experience, celebrating the accomplishment of making it as far as he did.

We are honored to have Ian as part of the SHI community. His journey is a powerful reminder that, no matter the challenges we face, it’s possible to push beyond perceived limits and accomplish incredible things. Whether he’s swimming in the icy waters of the English Channel or taking on a new challenge like Lake Memphremagog, Ian’s resilience and optimism inspire everyone around him.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Ian’s journey is how he shares each experience with his support team, including his mom, coaches, and friends, who cheer him on every step of the way. For Ian, swimming isn’t just about breaking records—it’s about embracing the journey and finding joy along the way.

We can’t wait to see what new challenges Ian will tackle next!

(Sources: Kingdom Games, Portland Press Herald)