Our hero Ryan

Hello Team GoHawkeye!

Thanks to your grant, we were able to travel to US Para Swimming Nationals in Boise, ID!  

Here is an update after the extremely successful meet! Exactly 3 months post-spinal surgery, Ryan had one of the best swim meets of his life!

I’ll give a brief update, but Ryan has provided one himself (attached).

Ryan achieved 2 new US Paralympic Trials cuts in the 100 FR and 200 IM (his 3rd Trials cut overall, adding to the 400 FR).

And now, Ryan can officially call himself a National Champion, winning GOLD in the 4×100 medley relay. He swam the freestyle leg as the anchor and easily held off his closest competitors.

On top of that, he earned 6 new PRs over the course of the meet, resulting 2 individual bronze medals in the 50 FLY and 100 BR, won against all other classifications and ages, based off of the world para points calculations. (His first US Para individual medals!)

And lastly, he thrived in the community of para swimmers. Ryan reconnected with old friends and made some new friends too!

Thank you for all of your support, Ryan could not be more proud to be part of Team GoHawkeye!

Please see Ryan’s note and some pictures attached.

🙂

Ryan and family (Erin, Scott, and sister Eleanor)