B.C. powerlifter inspires documentary and hometown affection — but remains humble

A Clearwater, B.C., man's trip to the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin has garnered him the praise and love of his small town — along with an upcoming documentary film.

Ryan Kealey lives with autism and has practised powerlifting for over eight years, training with his coach Jordan Sarneggia twice a week in nearby Kamloops, B.C.

After winning the Canadian Powerlifting Union's Special Olympics category in February, Kealey qualified for the World Games in Berlin in late June — the showpiece sporting event held for those with intellectual disabilities.

The 27-year-old had to overcome being in an unfamiliar environment away from Canada, as well as being on an international stage in front of a massive audience without his primary caregiver, his mother.

Ryan Kealey, powerlifter, 4 medals from Berlin <a href="https://twitter.com/SpecialOlympics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpecialOlympics</a> - with his mom in blue and <a href="https://twitter.com/ken_matheson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ken_matheson</a> filmmaker who is putting together a documentary on the story. Clearwater and Blackpool BC are super proud! <a href="https://t.co/X0sKE0XP5C">pic.twitter.com/X0sKE0XP5C</a>

Kealey went on to win three silver medals and one gold at Berlin, while a documentary crew was following him. When he returned to Canada, his town held a reception for him that saw dozens of people turn up.

And while his story is seen as an inspiration by many in the small B.C. Interior town of around 2,400 people, Kealey himself is not doing things any differently.

"No, I don't think it would change me at all," he told CBC News with a laugh. "I'm not letting those things get to my head and fill it with arrogance.

"We all know how arrogance went. It always loses in