Ryan Wedding: From Coquitlam Snowboarder to Alleged Narco Kingpin
Ryan Wedding’s transformation from an Olympic snowboarder to an alleged drug kingpin is a story that has shocked many. Originally hailing from Coquitlam, British Columbia, Wedding gained notoriety for his involvement in a vast narcotics operation. He is accused of directing a violent empire that allegedly smuggled significant quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine from Central and South America into the United States and Canada.
Early Life and Snowboarding Career
Born in 1979, Wedding was an eager snowboarder with a promising future. He attended Centennial High School, where a misspelling of his name as “Bryan” in the yearbook has become a curious footnote in his past. In his youth, Wedding stood out not just for his athletic talents but also for his charismatic personality.
By the age of 16, he had begun competing internationally, finishing 11th in a major giant slalom event. His success continued, leading to silver and bronze medals at the Junior World Championships and making him a notable competitor on the World Cup circuit. In 2001, he earned the title of Canadian champion at Big White in Kelowna.
The 2002 Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City offered Wedding a chance to shine as part of the Canadian snowboard team. However, his Olympic dreams were cut short when he finished 24th in the parallel giant slalom time trial, failing to qualify for the knockout rounds. His career faced further setbacks when he recorded a DNF at the U.S. National Championships shortly after the Olympics.
Transition into Criminal Activity
Following his early athletic career, Wedding’s life took a drastic turn. He enrolled at Simon Fraser University, but his post-snowboarding life was marked by troubling incidents. In 2006, he was connected to an illegal cannabis cultivation operation in Maple Ridge, British Columbia.
Subsequently, in 2008, Wedding was arrested in California for attempting to purchase cocaine from an undercover agent, resulting in a four-year prison sentence in the U.S. His subsequent choices led to his involvement in a drug trafficking network, drawing comparisons to notorious figures like Pablo Escobar and El Chapo.
FBI Indictments and Current Status
In recent developments, the FBI alleged that Wedding, now 44, is responsible for orchestrating multiple murders and running a significant drug operation. A reward for information leading to his capture was raised to $15 million. Last week, he was arrested in Mexico City after evading authorities for nearly a decade.
Wedding has pleaded not guilty to a series of charges, including murder, drug trafficking, witness tampering, and money laundering. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 11 in the United States.
Documentary and Public Reaction
Wedding’s story has captivated the public, inspiring a documentary series entitled “Snow King: From Olympian to Narco.” This production highlights the stark contrast between his athletic upbringing and his criminal undertakings. Former Canadian snowboard champion Ross Rebagliati commented on the perception of athletes in snowboarding, emphasizing that individual choices do not reflect the sport as a whole.
Friends and colleagues, including two-time Olympic snowboarder Alexa Loo, express sadness over Wedding’s descent into crime. Many believe that had he redirected his skills and charisma, he could have positively impacted his community instead of causing harm.
Conclusion
Ryan Wedding’s journey from being a promising snowboarding talent to an alleged drug kingpin serves as a cautionary tale. His story reveals how quickly fortunes can change, highlighting the complex nature of human choices and consequences.
