‘No name’ Springfield man gains Olympic gold

Posted on August 9, 2016

By RFD Radio/WFMB

SPRINGFIELD – Central Illinois native Ryan Held has become a national celebrity after his gold medal win in the 4×100 freestyle relay at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and his tearful reaction as he stood on the medal stand.

“I was just really thinking of the progression I’ve had the past four years from getting 10th in high school state (finals) in the 100-freestyle four years ago as a sophomore to now wearing a gold medal around my neck as an Olympian and a sophomore in college,” Held said. “I was just thinking about everyone in the Springfield area and the Raleigh (North Carolina) area and how much support and love you guys have shown for me in my swimming career in these past six months.

Held, a graduate of Springfield Sacred Heart Griffin, attends North Carolina State. He was named the 2014 Illinois Swimmer of the Year.

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