Ryan, 9, is a record-breaking, Junior Olympian and team all-star—driven, focused, and inspiring others as he chases his Olympic dream.
Thank you for generously supporting Ryan in this year’s competition. Your support helps empower the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Why Not You Foundation in their respective missions to save lives and empower today's youth to become tomorrow's leaders.
Our son loves racing and pushing himself every time he dives in. He feels strong and free in the water and thrives on chasing new goals. He’s definitely competitive, but what stands out most is how loudly he cheers for his teammates. We always joke he’ll lose his voice—or use up all his energy—because he never stops cheering.
Caeleb Dressel inspires our son because he’s fast, focused, and a great teammate. He got to meet Caeleb at a swim camp, and it left a lasting impression. He admires how hard Caeleb works and how he supports others. It showed him that you can be one of the best and still be a good person. That’s the kind of swimmer he hopes to become.
Our proudest moment was when he qualified for his first Junior Olympic event at just 8 years old. He swam so fast and hit the cut—we were in awe. But what makes us even prouder is his passion for the sport, his commitment to keep improving, and the way he cheers for his teammates. Once he’s on the blocks, he’s dialed in and one with the water—though he still makes faces when I try to take pictures!
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Youth Athlete of the Year, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.