ATHLETIC SUCCESSES:
Ryan broke onto the national swimming scene in 1991 when he won the bronze medal in the 400m Individual Medley at the U.S. Olympic Festival. He then went on to win a gold, a silver and three bronze medals at the Canada Cup. The following year, he broke junior national records in the 100m Freestyle and 200m Backstroke. Ryan continued his dominance by winning a gold medal as a member of the 800m Free Relay at the 1993 World University Games. At the Pan American Games in 1995, he swam on the 800m Free Relay that broke the Pan Am Record. In 1996, Ryan was named NCAA Swimmer of the Year after winning the 200y IM, 100y and 200y Backstroke at NCAA Championships. He finished third in the 200m Free at the 1996 Olympic Trials to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team as a member of the 800m Free Relay which went on to win the Gold Medal in Atlanta.

CAREER PATH:
Ryan graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1997 and began working for his current employer, Quest Capital Management. He was not able to work while training or in college, but completed an internship with Merrill Lynch prior to graduation. He now works as a Financial Planner at Quest. Additionally, Ryan is a member of the Board of Directors for USA Swimming and Dallas 2012 and still participates in Gold Medal swim clinics nationwide.

RYAN'S WORDS OF WISDOM:
"One of the most difficult things for an Olympic athlete to do is to train and gain work experience - even before trying to go to college - all without sacrificing one bit of training intensity and preparation."

"Use the power of people being curious about your athletic talent to network and demonstrate your non-athletic talents."

"Utilize your college experience to gain the education necessary to get a good job. After your athletic career is over, the only thing it will do for you is 'get you in the door' - what you have done in college will be what gets you the job."