Ryan Fann
Birth date: October 7, 1983
Birthplace: Carthage, TN
Amputation Level: Left Below-Knee (symes)
Occupation: Student - Tennessee State University
Competition events: 200m, 400m
Country represented: United States
Classification: T-44
Accomplishments: Special Teams MVP - Smith County High School
Prosthetic components: Hanger ComfortFlex™ Socket, Alps EasyLiner, Springlite Sprinter
Hobbies: music, track, football, golf, video games
Favorite Quote: No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. - Eleanor Roosevelt
Ryan Fann was just three years old when he was struck by a car while riding his “big wheel” in the street in front of his house. Amazingly, the driver never even saw Ryan and so he didn’t stop. Ryan, his left leg caught in the wheel of the car, was dragged down the street until a neighbor saw what was happening and yelled for the driver to stop. The damage to his left foot was so extensive it had to be amputated through the ankle. Eight months later, Ryan and his family found new hope as he began walking on his first prosthesis.
Ryan never allowed the loss of his left foot to slow him down. Like many young boys, he played lots of sports with his friends, developing a passion for football at the tender age of five. He excelled in high school football as a wide receiver and linebacker, and was named the special teams Most Valuable Player for Smith County High School. In the fall of 2002, Ryan was awarded a scholarship to Tennessee State College. He is the only member of the school’s track team that has a "disability," a distinction that motivates him to be a better athlete.
With football at the root of his athletic drive, it’s not too surprising that Ryan was chosen out of a field of 80 players to participate in the 2002 Tennessee East/West Shrine Bowl All Star game. Ryan caught the eye of a U.S. Paralympic when he was featured on ESPN after the game. The coach contacted Ryan and suggested that he focus on running track. With training, he thought it might be possible for Ryan to earn a slot on the U.S. Paralympic Team that will compete in Athens, Greece in 2004. It was a challenge Ryan was proud to accept.
Ryan knew if he was going to have a chance to achieve his goal, he would need the most advanced prosthetic technology to enable him to train at a higher level. His search led him to Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics and their patented ComfortFlexTM Socket technology.
Ryan was fit with a new prosthesis by Hanger prosthetist Chad Simpson, BOCP, LP, Practice Manager. "We used an Alps silicone liner over Ryan’s limb to help absorb some of the forces generated by running. He has an intense training routine which has really put the socket to the test," said Simpson.
Ryan had never used a prosthesis designed specifically for running until he came to Hanger. It has made a significant difference in the level of training he is now able to achieve. “I really like the Springlite Sprinter foot and the incredible amount of energy return I get from it. But the socket is just as great if not better. I get no rotation inside of it, it is completely locked onto my leg", said Ryan.
On the road to Athens, Ryan has participated in some high profile athletic events including the 2003 Oracle US Open track meet in Palo Alto, California. He was one of eight "disabled" athletes invited to compete in the 100-meter race that was televised on ESPN. Ryan was also invited to compete in the Rocky Mountain State Games in Colorado Springs where he ran in the 200 and 400 meter races and earned a bronze and gold medal respectively. He also competed in the Hanger Endeavor Games and won a silver medal in the 400 meter race.
Ryan competed in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens Greece, held September 17 – 28. In his first International competition race, he scored a season best time of 53.64 in the T-44 400 meter race and won a bronze medal for the United States Team. Following the race, Ryan commented, "It was the best competition in my life. Its unbelievable how I feel. Thank God. Two years ago I couldn’t imagine this medal. I am young, and I am sure that I will win more medals in the near future. Many congratulations to my opponents because they are great athletes."