genU adding weight to Ryan’s drive for more medals and record times…

genU is supporting a champion swimmer to continue making a splash in the pool, nationally and globally, through maintaining high fitness and strength levels.

Geelong local Ryan has been honing his skills in the pool from a young age, with a passion for swimming that has grown over the past 14 years.

With a swag of gold medals under his belt and Australian record times in the books, Ryan is not only an accomplished athlete but also an active participant of the genU Adventure program.

As part of his pool preparation, you can find Ryan working with the genU Adventure team every Wednesday at the Dash Gym and Wellbeing in Drysdale, building the strength he needs to propel himself up and down the pool as quickly as possible to keep ahead of the pack.

“They [genU Adventure] help me with my fitness and going to the gym,” Ryan said.

“My favourite exercise is pull-ups, which helps me with swimming.”

There’s also the enhanced community connection that Ryan enjoys when he’s taking part in the genU program.

“I’ve also made a lot of friends through genU Adventure,” Ryan said.

genU Adventure Operations Manager Bradley Davidson said Ryan’s fitness regimen had been purposely tailored, based on his individual needs and to complement his already busy exercise schedule.

“Given Ryan is an elite swimmer, his goals in the gym and his reason for attending Adventure each week are so that he can consistently build his core, lower and upper body strength,” Brad said.

“We worked with Ryan to develop an engaging exercise program that allows him to safely work independently and with assistance, focusing on different muscle groups across a ten-week term."

genU Adventure team members love hearing about Ryan’s swimming achievements and are amazed at his skill and dedication to his swimming.

“He’s a valued member of the group and thoroughly enjoys engaging with other clients and developing his skills and knowledge,” Brad said.

When he’s not hitting the gym, Ryan is training in the pool six days a week, and the dedication and commitment is paying off.

With three Australian Special Olympics behind him – 2014, 2018, 2022 – Ryan has become a regular at swimming competitions across Australia and the world.

In recent years, Ryan has become a one-man gold rush, dominating swim meets in his favourite event, breaststroke, along with freestyle, backstroke and fly events, and the 200m Individual Medley.

He also currently holds 12 Australian records, which shows his power and prowess in the pool.

Last year at the Australian Country Championships in Darwin, Ryan hauled in nine gold medals, while also setting three personal best times, following on from his 10 gold in 2023.

At the most recent event, the Mattioli Victorian Long Course Open Championships, Ryan won five gold and two bronze, his medal tally no doubt curtailed due to missing three finals through injury.

The Geelong Swimming Club has also played a pivotal role in Ryan’s success, with coach Rob Steinman’s support.

“I’m a multi-class swimmer with the Geelong Swimming Club and am a member of their leadership group this season,” Ryan said.

“They’re nice and friendly and I’ve made a lot of friends through them.”

A highlight for Ryan was taking part in the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France.

“It was good. It was a really long plane ride,” he said. “My sister helped me with the funding.

“I felt supported by my family, genU and the Geelong Swimming Group.”

Looking ahead, Ryan is excited about the future of his swimming journey.

He has his focus firmly fixed on the National Championships in Brisbane at Easter and has an expression of interest submitted to be selected for the Australian team to compete at the Virtus World Swimming Championships in Thailand this August. This team will be selected in May, and based on his past performances, Ryan has a strong chance of gaining a lane.

[UPDATE on 9 May: Ryan was successful in his goal and selected in the 30-member team to compete at the championships, from 20-30 August.]

genU CEO Clare Amies wished Ryan the best of luck as he chases his dreams and more gold medals in the pool.

“Our purpose at genU is to enrich lives through supports, connections and opportunities, and we feel privileged to help Ryan reach his full potential following his passion,” Clare said.

“To have this holistic support from genU and the Geelong Swimming Club is a fantastic example of everyone coming together to build genuinely inclusive communities.

“All the genU community and Geelong will be behind Ryan as he strives for his next major achievement.”

If you want to have fun getting seriously fit, and make new friends, genU Adventure has plenty of programs to help you reach the finish line of your goals.

Ryan’s medal cabinet

2022 - Virtus Oceania Asia Games – 1 gold

2022 - Australian Special Olympics, Hobart – 1 gold, 1 silver

2023 - Virtus Global Games, France – 2 bronze

2023 - Australian Country Championships, Darwin - 10 gold, 1 silver

2024 - Australian Country Championships, Darwin - 9 gold, 1 silver

2025 – Mattioli Victorian Country Championships – 8 gold, 2 silver

2025 – Mattioli Victorian Long Course Open Championships – 5 gold, 2 bronze

Ryan’s recent events

2022

Virtus Oceania Asia Games - Brisbane, Queensland

Australian Special Olympics - Launceston, Tasmania