Shane Ryan now keen to shoulder the pain for long-term gain

The labrum supports the ball-and-socket joint as well as tendons and muscles in the shoulder. When it's torn, partial or complete shoulder dislocation is the result.

In 2019, swimmer Shane Ryan began to notice some wear and tear on the shoulder, in spite of keeping up with all the rehab. Tokyo 2020 was around the corner and Ryan was determined to compete at a second Olympics.

And then Covid came. For the American-turned-Irish competitor, the delay did not lessen his determination to be on the starting blocks come July 2021. And through the pain barrier, Ryan, while unable to compete in his signature event - the 100m backstroke - still set an Irish record in the 100m fly. He was also part of the 800m freestyle team in Tokyo

In December of last year came the "big surgery".

Speaking to RTÉ Sport ahead at the Olympic Federation of Ireland's inaugural Make A Difference Athletes’ Fund Golf Tournament at The K Club, the 28-year-explained the procedure: "I got my labrum all patched up, so I got seven suture anchors around my whole shoulder. Then they ended up cutting my bicep and sowing it to the bone. It takes about four years to fully recover from that type of surgery, so as things stand now we're ahead of schedule."

In August, Ryan competed at the European Championships. He was glad to be back in the pool, but thankful for the backing from key stakeholders in ensuring that he still has one key goal to aim at.

"I have had great support from Sport Ireland and the Irish Olympic Council; they've been very good throughout everything. Once we get this shoulder sorted we'll be absolutely fine.

"I got to compete in the Europeans only eight months after the surgery. I did okay there; a lot of positives to come out of that meet. I'm back