Two-Time Irish Olympian Shane Ryan Undergoes Shoulder Surgery
Shane Ryan, a two-time Irish Olympian and multiple-time national record-holder, underwent surgery this week on an injured shoulder.
Ryan swam through the shoulder injury during the Tokyo Olympics this summer and through the International Swimming League season with the Toronto Titans. The injury and diminished explosiveness forced Ryan, who made the semifinals in the 100 backstroke in Rio, to be unable to swim his signature event in Tokyo. Instead, he set a best time and an Irish record in the men’s 100 fly, finishing 37th. He was also part of Ireland’s 800 freestyle relay.
Ryan made the announcement on Instagram. He procedure involved seven suture anchors to repair a torn labrum and a biceps tenodesis procedure.
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Ryan wrote:
Yesterday was a big step in my swimming career. I went into surgery on my right shoulder. I have been dealing with so much pain and weakness for a very long time. I haven’t been swimming at my potential in a really long time so this surgery had to be done. During my time at the ISL in Eindhoven and at the Olympics. It really just confirmed on how bad my shoulder actually was.
Ryan, 27, grew up in the United States and competed at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials before obtaining Irish citizenship. He also competed at Penn State. Ryan has lived in Ireland since before the Rio Olympics. He holds four long-course and six short-course individual records plus seven total relay records.
“I’m so excited for this new chapter,” Ryan wrote. “I can’t wait to get back into rehab in the new year and hope to get into the water as soon as possible. I have such an amazing support team ready to go with @sportireland & @swimireland!!”