In a twist that sounds like a Hollywood script, Canadian Olympic athlete Ryan Weddin went from competing on the world stage to landing on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list. Weddin, a former bobsledder who represented Canada in the 1990s, became a fugitive in the early 2000s after being accused of orchestrating a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme. His fall from grace is a cautionary tale of how quickly fame can turn to infamy.
Weddin’s athletic career peaked in the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, where he competed as part of Canada’s bobsleigh team. Though he didn’t medal, his participation earned him recognition and respect. After retiring from sports, Weddin transitioned to business, where he allegedly used his charm and connections to defraud investors out of millions.
The scheme involved fake real estate deals and Ponzi-like investments, with Weddin promising high returns that never materialized. By the time authorities caught on, he had vanished, leaving behind a trail of angry investors and unanswered questions. In 2005, the FBI added him to their Most Wanted list, citing his international connections and athletic background as reasons he might evade capture.
Weddin’s story is a reminder that even those who reach the pinnacle of success can fall victim to greed and poor choices. His athletic discipline and competitive drive, once assets on the bobsleigh track, may have fueled his ability to outmaneuver authorities for years.
As of now, Weddin remains at large, a ghost from Canada’s Olympic past turned modern-day fugitive. His case continues to fascinate, blending the worlds of sports, crime, and international intrigue.
So, next time you watch the Olympics, remember Ryan Weddin. His journey from bobsleigh to the FBI’s Most Wanted list is proof that life’s twists can be stranger than fiction. And if you ever feel like taking a shortcut to success, think twice. The finish line might be closer than you think—especially if the FBI’s involved.
