“ That's how I learn life. I look at it, I visualize myself doing it, and then I execute. And if it doesn't feel right, I can feel it. I can see it, almost like a third person's view. That's the way I've approached life; that's the way I've been able to really reel in on what I'm good at and what I'm not good at.”
Ryan Medrano has faced his share of challenges—he was born with mild cerebral palsy, which caused motor and cognitive delays, and was often bullied as a child because of it. But as he learned to walk and read social signals, he gained knowledge about himself and the world that would eventually allow him to excel in sports and life.
He met previous podcast guest Noelle Lambert when both were cast members on season 43 of Survivor. Noelle—who was already competing in para track & field —convinced Ryan he, too, should return to the sport (he’d run in high school) at the elite level. And within two years, he’d won a silver medal at World Championships, gold at the ParaPan American Games, and two silvers, in the T38 100 meters and 400 meters, at the Paralympics in Paris.
All that success came despite frequently competing in pain related to his disability—his mental game, including his use of imagery and self-talk, has long been incredibly strong. But as his athletic career continues, he’s learning more about his body and what it needs to recover well and feel good. And along the way, he shares his passion with the next generation through his work as a motivational speaker.
Resources/links:
- Ryan’s Instagram, TikTok
- Episode 145 with Noelle Lambert
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club me
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