After winning 2 national title at the 2019 US Nationals in Palo Alto (including breaking the 100 free US Open record twice in 1 day), He opened up about the hardships of moving twice in 3 months.
Held discusses what it was like moving first from his longtime home of Raleigh, North Carolina (NC State) to Bloomington, Indiana. Not only did he leave his old friends, coaches, and community, but he entered a culture that was a somewhat rival of his when he was part of the wolfpack, making for an awkward transition out of the pool. However, he was able to make his way into the social circles of the IU post-grad group and see successful training there as well, putting up a 48.7 100 free win at the Richmond Pro Swim in April.
In May, after the announcement of Coley Stickels taking the head coaching position at Alabama, Held moved once again, following his coach of 3 months to Tuscaloosa. He said it has helped having his training partners Ali Khalafalla and Margo Geer during this second transition, and the results in Palo Alto seem to speak for themselves.
Did he ever say why he left NC State? Seems if it’s all they say it is they should be able to hold onto their Olympians. Cullen headed there and then seemed to disappear also.
NC State does a great job at the NCAA level. Its hard to have a pro group when only 1 or 2 pros are there. DeSorbo was working on putting one together but then he left for UVA. Cullen attempted to make a comeback however life got in the way and only practicing 2x a week wasn’t going to cut it.
As a devoted fan of BAMA Swimming and Diving, I am extremely proud and delighted to welcome Ryan, Ali, Margo, and the new coaches to The University of Alabama. You now are part of the BAMA NATION AND CRIMSON TIDE FAMILY. May God continue to bless you with good health, a loving and supportive family, and sincere and loyal friends. May each of you achieve remarkable success as you train and/or coach in an attempt to become members of the 2020 United States Summer Olympic team. I wish you much happiness in your new environment and your new home. RTR
so Ryan won’t be in Cody’s vlogs anymore :{