Ryan Medrano’s journey to becoming a Paralympic medalist is a story of self-discovery and elite athleticism. The 28-year-old from Savannah, Georgia, was born with mild cerebral palsy, which caused motor and cognitive delays and led to him being bullied as a child. However, his comfort place during such times was his “loving parents and a plethora of siblings to really push me and make me be my best.” But his initial passion wasn’t athletics, rather it was wrestling, a sport that allowed him to anticipate an opponent’s movements and push his limits.

His path to para track and field was unconventional; it was during his time as a cast member on Season 43 of the hit TV show Survivor that his life took a pivotal turn. A fellow contestant, 2020 Paralympian Noelle Lambert, observed his incredible athleticism and energy, later recalling he was “the beast of his tribe.” She informed him that his cerebral palsy qualified him for an international Paralympic sport competition, a revelation that set him on a new path.

In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Medrano offered a candid and nuanced perspective on the reality of anti-doping efforts, expressing strong support for the system’s goals while sharing the intense physical challenge of being tested at an athlete’s most vulnerable moment. He unequivocally endorsed the mission of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), stating, “USADA does a good job of making sure we’re not doping, have anything in our body that we’re not supposed to.”

He emphasized the core principle of athlete responsibility, acknowledging that the system is essential to ensure “everybody has a fair chance of competing against each other.” Medrano believes that the strict protocols are a necessary response to past violations that have “ruined the sense of honor system.” He noted, “You can’t just be like, ‘Yeah, no, I’m not taking steroids.’ No, we have to test you because some people do.”

The Paralympian also pointed to the very real risks of inadvertent doping, citing the case of an athlete who was banned after taking a pre-workout supplement from Walmart that contained an undeclared, banned substance similar to methamphetamines, which the creator had added to make the product addictive. This incident underscores his view that athletes must be hyper-vigilant about everything they consume. For his own safety and peace of mind, Medrano stated he relies on whole foods like “chicken, green beans, potatoes” or exclusively uses supplements that are third-party tested and carry the NSF certification, which helps him avoid any “psychological doubt” about a potential positive test.

However, Medrano also provided a raw and unfiltered look into the physical difficulty of complying with anti-doping procedures at the most demanding moments. His comments reveal a specific, albeit understandingly impractical, logistical wish: to be able to select a “preferred event” for testing during a competition. He humorously explained the stark contrast in his condition after different races, noting that while he would be “fantastic” after a 100-meter race or “lovely” after the long jump, being approached right after a 400-meter race is a completely different experience.

“Grab me off of after a 400, I am dying. Please do not talk to me,” he said. “Like I have to compose myself to take pictures and and do talk and talk.” He shared a personal and poignant example from the trials for the Paris Paralympics, where USADA officials approached him immediately after he had run the hardest 400 meters of his life, setting a personal record (PR). He told them, “I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to stand here with me because I just ran the hardest 400 I’ve ever run. I hit a PR, and if I stop moving now, my hamstrings are going to lock up and I’m going to be in immense pain.”

It took him between 30 to 45 minutes of continuous movement before he could properly walk, sit down, and provide a sample. Despite the extreme hardship, he understands the fundamental rationale behind the unpredictable timing. He conceded that the very nature of unannounced, post-event testing is what makes the system credible and effective. “With having this not scheduled, you’re not able to try to cheat the system,” Medrano acknowledged, accepting the inconvenience as a necessary price for integrity.

The Paralympian fully endorses the system’s vital goal of maintaining a clean sport and takes meticulous personal responsibility for what he puts into his body, understanding that the burden of proof ultimately lies with the athlete. Simultaneously, his experience highlights the significant and very human physical toll that these mandatory protocols can take on an athlete’s body in its most vulnerable state, immediately after peak exertion. However, Medrano had a few words to share about his performance at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi.

Ryan Medrano was candid about his recent setback

After his T38 400m race in New Delhi, where he finished fourth, Ryan Medrano settled down for a trackside interview with EssentiallySports. He shared his usual honesty and optimistic outlook that have always been a part of his journey. “It’s been a while since I haven’t medaled,” he said, looking back on a result that felt quite different from his recent podium finishes in Paris. He said, “A guy from Greece came out of nowhere on the turn.”

Instead of fixating on the outcome, Medrano emphasized the journey and how to get better, saying, “So, just got some work to do when I get on my off-season. The race itself felt great. I got out good. Just need to skin some weight off. I’m about 210 pounds.” This thoughtful response highlights the mindset of a top athlete who sees every performance, whether they win or learn something new, as a chance to grow.

Even though he finished in fourth place, Medrano pointed out that the race was still a chance for him to learn. He highlighted some of the positive technical aspects of his performance, saying, “Especially, I think I did great coming out of the box, which is what I’ve been working on. I hit a 50.09, you know.” Indeed, Medrano’s personal and athletic identity really shines through in this resilience. And his personality really is something that excites the fans even more.