Ryan's parents enrolled her in the Red Beach Surf Life Saving Club, sparking her interest in sports. She attributes her competitive nature to her brother, with whom she often competed. This sibling rivalry played a crucial role in shaping her sporting spirit.

Club and Coaching

Ryan trains with the North Shore Canoe Club in Auckland, New Zealand. Her national coach, Gordon Walker, has been instrumental in her development. His guidance has helped her navigate the challenges of high-level competition.

Memorable Achievements

One of Ryan's most notable achievements is competing in the women's K4 500m at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. This event marked the first time a New Zealand women's K4 team participated in the Olympics. The team placed fifth, a significant accomplishment given their limited time together.

Influences and Idols

New Zealand paddler Lisa Carrington has been a major influence on Ryan's career. Additionally, she looks up to shot putter Valerie Adams as an idol. These athletes have inspired her to strive for excellence in her sport.

Rituals and Beliefs

Ryan has a unique pre-competition ritual of eating bread with peanut butter for breakfast. This habit developed due to pre-race nerves, making it one of the few foods she could stomach. At the 2016 Olympics, she switched to Froot Loops due to heightened nerves.

Sporting Philosophy

Ryan believes in sportsmanship and supporting fellow competitors. She emphasises enjoying the journey while working hard to improve herself daily. Her philosophy reflects a balanced approach to competition and personal growth.

Awards and Honours

In 2019, Ryan received the Most Consistent Senior Woman and Most Outstanding Performance awards at the North Shore Canoe Club. In 2014, she and her K4 teammates were honoured with Canoe Racing New Zealand's Team of the Year award.

Other Sporting Pursuits

Ryan has also excelled in surf life saving at a national level in New Zealand. She has won multiple national surf ski titles across various age categories, showcasing her versatility as an athlete.

Milestones

Ryan and her teammates Aimee Fisher, Jaimee Lovett, and Kayla Imrie made history as the first New Zealand sprint paddlers to compete in a women's K4 event at the Olympics. Their fifth-place finish at Rio 2016 was a milestone for New Zealand kayaking.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Ryan aims to win a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Her dedication and past performances suggest she is well-prepared for this challenge.

Overcoming Challenges

In 2017, Ryan considered quitting the sport due to mental fatigue and loss of passion. Encouragement from coach Gordon Walker and teammate Lisa Carrington helped her regain focus and continue competing at a high level.

Diverse Career

Apart from being an athlete, Ryan works as a dental hygienist in Auckland. She specialises in treating children with dental anxiety. Balancing her career with sports ensures she has a solid professional foundation for life after athletics.

Caitlin Ryan's journey reflects dedication, resilience, and versatility. Her achievements in kayaking and contributions as a dental technician highlight her multifaceted talents and commitment to excellence both on and off the water.