Gutsy Ryan defies the odds to make a remarkable comeback
Despite many obstacles, Ryan has since gone on to rack up a string of medals for sporting events on land, and in the water.
This remarkable story of determination is proof that you can do anything once you set your mind on it.
Ryan Steyn (36) barely survived a life-changing scooter accident in Manaba at the age of 16.
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At the time of the accident, he was doing extremely well at bodyboarding.
“I nearly died on the road and twice afterwards in the hospital. It’s a miracle that I survived that accident, even the doctors told my family I wouldn’t survive and, if I did, I would be intellectually disabled,” said Ryan.
Once he came out of a coma, Ryan’s road to recovery began.
It was a long and difficult journey, but he was lucky to be one of four people chosen to receive six months of neurophysiological treatment in Durban.
He was then presented with a new challenge by his friend’s father – if he got back into bodyboarding, he would receive a brand-new bodyboard for his birthday.
“When I was pushed onto my first wave, I knew the ‘old Ryan’ was back,” he said, smiling.
Despite many obstacles, Ryan has since gone on to rack up a string of medals for sporting events, both on land and in the water.
Some years later, he tackled the Lake Eland swim, held that year to raise funds for legendary surfer, Heather Clark, who had been involved in a serious car accident.
In 2013, Ryan reached the peak of his bodyboarding career, ranking first in Southern KZN and fifth in South Africa.
Nothing stops Ryan, and this year alone he has competed in the Child Welfare fun run, the Sardine Run, and the Hibiscus Challenge, to name just a few.
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Nowadays he keeps fit and healthy by working out at Superbodies Gym in Port Shepstone, and not missing the Saturday parkrun at St Mike’s.
So far, he has proudly clocked up 86 parkruns.
“The reason I do this is that I have a point to prove, that I can do this – that I can be the ‘old Ryan’. I also appreciate my body while I can use it.”
Ryan is grateful to his family – mother Linda and father Chris – and his brothers Kyle and Ross for their unwavering support over the years.
“It’s only through God and my family that I have been able to get through this.
“This journey has made me a stronger person and made me realise that your real friends are your family.”
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