On the Comeback Trail, Shane Ryan Eager to Measure Progress at European Championships
As he left the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, an appearance in the semifinals of the 100-meter backstroke logged as a great achievement, Shane Ryan looked forward. The American-turned-Irish star, who had shifted his training locale to Dublin and celebrated his father’s heritage during a nationality change, was eager for what awaited.
Down the road, he saw the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo as his primary target. And on the way to the Japanese capital, he collected a handful of international medals in the 50 backstroke, including a gold at the 2017 World University Games and a bronze at the 2018 European Championships. Eventually, he confidently believed, his 100 backstroke would match his prowess in the sprint.
Ryan was part of something special, namely a long-awaited Irish surge. As Ireland continually churned out the best performances in its men’s history, Ryan was a leader. Simply, his move across the Atlantic Ocean from the United States had paid dividends, and the Penn State University product was riding an upward trajectory.
Unfortunately for Ryan, his path quickly filled with potholes. Of course, there was the COVID-19 pandemic which altered training programs around the world and forced the Tokyo Games to be delayed until the Summer of 2021. By that time, Ryan was dealing with a serious shoulder injury and was forging ahead only because of the chance to compete in a second Olympiad.
While Ryan was able to race for Ireland in the 800 freestyle relay, an event which marked Ireland’s first Olympic appearance in a male relay, his shoulder woes forced a withdrawal from the 100 backstroke. The injury turned out to be a torn labrum, coupled with a detached biceps, and surgery was the only option.
Now, a year since Tokyo and eight months removed from his much-needed medical procedure, Ryan is ready to return to the international stage. The opportunity presents itself in Rome, where the European Championships will get underway on Thursday. Ryan is entered in the 50 backstroke, 100 backstroke, 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly. He’s also likely to see action as a member of Irish relays.
How Ryan will fare at the Foro Italico is uncertain, as his rehab from surgery is a process and additional months of strengthening and racing will be required to his 100%. Yet, competing in a major meet again will serve as a measuring stick and let Ryan know where he stands. More, if he stays with his planned schedule, Ryan’s shoulder will be tested in significant competition, again providing valuable information.
With the 2024 Olympics in Paris less than two years away, the 28-year-old is certainly targeting a third Games. Next summer, he’ll have the chance to return to the World Championships, when the meet is held in Fukuoka. Consider Ryan prepared to manage multiple steps – some short-term and some long-term.
He’s also curious.
“I’m super excited to be back racing for Ireland again,” Ryan told Swimming World. “My last competition was at the Olympics, then I got a major shoulder surgery. Rome will be a challenging meet for me with it only being eight months post-surgery, but this is the start of something new and I cannot wait for what the future brings.”
