From Olympic Glory to Wall Street: Ryan Held's New Journey

Not resting on his laurels after securing three world records and capturing two Olympic golds, swimmer Ryan Held now tackles a new frontier: Wall Street. At Goldman Sachs, Held fills the role of an analyst specializing in cyber risk. Despite the new territory, he admits feeling like the underdog compared to previous feats alongside Olympic greats like Michael Phelps and Caeleb Dressel.

Crossing Over to Corporate

Having transitioned in February to Goldman Sachs' distinguished risk team, Held shares insights with Business Insider regarding his shift from aquatic championships to the bustling environment of a premiere financial institution. Adjusting from a career reliant on physical prowess to one prioritizing mental acumen presents its own set of challenges.

A New Battle: Mental Agility

Reflecting on his journey, Held, now 30, acknowledges feelings of unease as he embarked on a professional path distinct from his peers, who tend to be younger. At an age many spend in analyst roles, Held was securing medals—an exceptional alternative path.

“Although divergent,” he explains, “my path was chosen deliberately, and I bring unique value to the table.”

Mindset Tools: From Pool to Desk

He draws upon strategic mental practices developed during intensive Olympic training, distinguishing between ‘red light’—irrational thoughts, and ‘green light’—rationale-driven thoughts, translating them now to his workplace mindset.

“A spot at Goldman Sachs reflects my ability to thrive under pressure. It reinforces the value of resilience and adaptability.” Held elaborates.

Olympic Legacy

A year ago, Held was atop the podium collecting honors in the 4×100 freestyle relay. A career that began with swimming post a school soccer mishap continued to shimmer during his collegiate years at North Carolina State University. His 2016 Olympic debut accompanied legends like Phelps, rendering a poignant moment on stage.

“Patriotism drove my strokes; I swam for people, unseen, yet intertwined in my journey. The stage claimed by us was as much theirs as it was ours.” Held recalls.

Divergent Aspiration Paths

Originally, Goldman and Wall Street were not Held's primary targets. Plans hovered around urban design and environmental careers, leveraging his academic grounding in conservation biology and geospatial science. Yet, conversations with other athletes who had transitioned to Goldman revealed opportunities that didn’t strictly revolve around numbers.

His current team assesses and devises strategies for possible risks rooted in the firm’s infrastructure and external factors, with Held zeroing in on combating cyber threats.

Cybersecurity Commitment

“Ensuring impeccable cyber hygiene is crucial,” he asserts. Simple yet crucial tasks like managing password complexity and workspace security fall under his purview, aligning with his affinity for systems thinking honed in academia.

Embracing the Future

Although the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 are not on Held's agenda, swimming remains central to his routine, facilitating a serene start to the bustling day at the New York Athletic Club. Engaging with the water several times a week, he describes, “the liberation in weightless motion echoes peace and invigorates focus.”

Held's story continues to unfold as he balances his new life with unwavering dedication and a pursuit of excellence, whether under the fluorescent lights of Goldman Sachs or the tranquility of a swimming lane.