As an autistic individual, I’m always looking to raise awareness and talk with sports figures on the spectrum who make great strides in sports, showing that autistic individuals can do great things. That’s why I was excited to talk with wheelchair racer and Ultra-Runner Ryan Steiner.
Diagnosed with autism, Steiner has had many accomplishments in the running world, including completing the Hennepin 50K race while pushing his daughter, who used a wheelchair. That shows the world what neurodivergent people can do. I sat down with him to discuss autism, running, and his future hopes.
McElwain: Describe running in one word.
Steiner: Connection.
McElwain: What are the top three moments of your career?
Steiner: The best thing was finishing my first 50K while pushing my daughter, Kala. My second favorite moment was finishing my first solo 50 K. Finally, I would go with starting the Hennepin 100, even though I didn’t finish.
McElwain: What’s your advice for anyone looking to get into sports?
Steiner: Don’t let anything stop you. If you need to adapt things, then adjust things. But keep following your dreams.
McElwain: How has autism helped you in the sports world?
Steiner: I think that having lived my life navigating the world with autism has made me able to endure things and not feel pain. I am tenacious in finishing things when focused on them without getting distracted by other things.
McElwain: Where do you see yourself in 30 years?
Steiner: In 30 years, I hope I am still pushing myself to try things outside my comfort zone and still love the movement as much as I do now.
McElwain: What are your career goals?
Steiner: I would love to set some records for wheelchair racing for the distance traveled in 24 hours. But whatever I do, I hope I am still getting as much joy as I do today in 30 years.
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Listen to Ryan’s podcast, Visibility Matters.
