Delco Kid Swimming In Rio Makes A Splash At Home
RIDLEY TWP., Pa. (CBS) – While Michael Phelps may be the golden boy of the Olympics, others are realizing it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, including one swimmer from Delaware County.
Inside Haggertys Cafe on MacDade Boulevard dozens cheered for the boy they call 'Scooch,' swimming the 100-meter backstroke.
Shane Ryan is a 22-year-old Havertown native, who has dual-citizenship in Ireland.
"His father is from County Laois in Ireland," his grandmother, Pat Noone Bonner, explains.
Ryan swims for Penn State, but decided to represent his dad's country in the Olympics. His Aunt Erin says she couldn't be prouder:
"I am just so, so happy for this kid. He has climbed mountains, he has had naysayers, he has everything and his is the nicest kid in the world."
His Godmother, Brigid, choked back tears watching him swim:
"He has a competitive side to him and he has a fire inside of him, so when he wants it, he will push."
"As long as he does his best, that's all that matters to me," Pat added.