It’s safe to say Springfield’s own Olympic Gold medalist — Ryan Held — will never forget where he came from, despite the fame that could now come his way.
“I have so much pride for Springfield,” says Held. “A lot of my teammates make fun of me because I love everything Springfield. But, it’s real. I love Springfield.”
Held was part of the men’s four-by-one-hundred meter relay swim team that won gold, and says his success can be attributed to the “big man on campus” — Michael Phelps.
“He is a great leader, very dedicated to the team, and, obviously, the sport,” says Held. “Having the world’s most decorated Olympian on your team behind the blocks definitely gives you a confidence booster.”
Held says he can’t wait to come back home and show off his gold medal. We’d be surprised if Mayor Jim Langfelder didn’t at some point proclaim a “Ryan Held Day” in Springfield.
Held recently was interviewed by our sister station, 103.7 WDBR. The full interview is below.