Ryan Held, born on June 27, is the son of Randy and Cheryl Held, who have supported his swimming career from its earliest stages. Ryan's parents encouraged him to balance his athletics with character development, particularly through his involvement in Boy Scouts.
Held achieved the rank of Eagle Scout before focusing more intensively on swimming. He attended Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, graduating in 2014 as Illinois State Swimmer of the Year. Held then joined North Carolina State University's swim team.
His breakthrough came at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he won a gold medal as part of the 4×100 meter freestyle relay team. Held holds the U.S. Open record in the long course 100-meter freestyle and three world records in short course relay events. Arena currently sponsors Held and he remains a prominent figure in U.S. swimming.
Who are Ryan Held's Parents?
Ryan Held's parents are Randy and Cheryl Held.
Who is Ryan Held's Mother?
Cheryl Held is Ryan's mother. Cheryl has spoken about the emotional journey of watching her son compete at the highest levels of the sport. As sourced from WAND-TV She has described the experience of seeing Ryan win Olympic gold as filled with "shock, awe, amazement, and tears of joy."
Who is Ryan Held's Father?
Randy Held is Ryan's father. Like Cheryl, Randy has been deeply involved in Ryan's swimming. He has shared insights with WAND-TV into Ryan's competitive nature from a young age, noting that even in activities like miniature golf, Ryan showed an intense desire to win.
What Nationality are Ryan Held's Parents?
Ryan Held's parents are American. Both Randy and Cheryl Held are from the United States, specifically from Illinois, where Ryan was born and raised.
Ryan's Swimming Achievements
| Year | Achievement |
| 2014 | Named Illinois State Swimmer of the Year |
| 2016 | Won Olympic Gold in 4×100m freestyle relay at Rio Olympics |
| 2018 | Set world records in multiple relay events at the World Short Course Championships |
| 2019 | Broke U.S. Open record in 100m freestyle |
| 2021 | Won multiple medals at the World Short Course Championships |
| 2022 | Won gold in 4×100m freestyle relay at World Aquatics Championships |
Olympics
| Year | Event | Medal |
| 2016 | 4×100m freestyle relay | Gold |
World Championship Medals (Long Course)
| Year | Event | Medal |
| 2022 | 4×100m freestyle relay | Gold |
| 2022 | 4×100m medley relay | Silver |
| 2022 | 4×100m mixed freestyle relay | Bronze |
World Short Course Championship Medals
| Year | Event | Medal |
| 2018 | 4×100m freestyle relay | Gold |
| 2018 | 4×50m mixed freestyle relay | Gold |
| 2018 | 4×50m freestyle relay | Gold |
| 2018 | 4×100m medley relay | Gold |
| 2018 | 4×50m medley relay | Silver |
| 2021 | 4×200m freestyle relay | Gold |
| 2021 | 4×50m medley relay | Gold |
| 2021 | 50m freestyle | Silver |
| 2021 | 100m freestyle | Silver |
| 2021 | 4×100m medley relay | Silver |
| 2021 | 4×100m freestyle relay | Bronze |
Records
| 100m freestyle (LCM) | 47.39 | July 31, 2019 | U.S. Open Record |
| 4×100m freestyle (SCM) | 3:03.03 | December 11, 2018 | World Record |
| 4×50m mixed freestyle (SCM) | 1:27.89 | December 12, 2018 | World Record |
| 4×50m freestyle (SCM) | 1:21.80 | December 14, 2018 | World Record |
FAQ's On Ryan Held’s Parents
A. Ryan Held is from Springfield, Illinois. He attended Christ the King Grade School and Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield, graduating in 2014.
A. Herbie Behm is Ryan Held’s coach.
A. Ryan Held’s height is 1.85m
A. Ryan Held was born on 27 June 1995 and is 29 years of age.
A. Randy and Cheryl Held.
