From Olympian to Outlaw: Ryan Wedding Joins FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List

Once a Champion, Now a Fugitive

Ryan James Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, has gone from the world stage of sports to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. The dramatic downfall of the once-prominent athlete stems from his alleged leadership of an international drug trafficking syndicate, spanning multiple countries and linked to violent crimes.

The FBI has now placed Wedding among the world’s most wanted criminals, offering a staggering $10 million reward for information leading to his capture. This case underscores a shocking transformation—from Olympic hopeful to an alleged mastermind of a high-stakes narcotics empire.

A Rise to Fame on the Slopes

Born in Thunder Bay, Canada, Wedding’s name was once synonymous with excellence in snowboarding. He competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, representing Canada in the giant slalom event. His performance on the slopes earned him national recognition, painting a future filled with promise and sporting achievements.

However, his athletic career took an unexpected turn, and within years of his Olympic debut, Wedding’s focus reportedly shifted from high-adrenaline sports to high-stakes crime.

Authorities allege that Wedding orchestrated a sophisticated drug trafficking network, moving vast quantities of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and the U.S. into Canada. His operation, according to investigators, was deeply embedded within international smuggling routes, using long-haul trucks and hidden compartments to transport massive drug shipments.

The Charges Against Wedding Include:

• Narcotics Trafficking: Allegedly responsible for smuggling hundreds of kilograms of cocaine across international borders.
• Violence & Assassinations: Suspected of orchestrating multiple murders and attempted killings to eliminate rivals and maintain control over his operations.
• Past Drug Convictions: Previously convicted in 2010 for drug conspiracy in the United States, serving time before returning to the narcotics underworld.
• Fugitive Status: Wanted in both Canada and the United States, with charges stemming from 2015 drug trafficking cases that remain unresolved.

The FBI believes Wedding did not act alone but instead ran his empire with cartel affiliations, possibly linked to the infamous Sinaloa Cartel.

The International Manhunt: FBI’s Multi-Million Dollar Reward

The gravity of Wedding’s alleged crimes has placed him at the center of a massive international manhunt.

Key Details of the FBI's Search Efforts:

• Reward: Up to $10 million offered by the U.S. Department of State for credible information leading to his arrest.
• FBI Bounty: An additional $50,000 reward from the FBI to encourage public assistance.
• Last Known Locations: Wedding is suspected to be hiding in Mexico, though authorities believe he could be moving between the U.S., Canada, Colombia, or Costa Rica.
• Extreme Danger Warning: The FBI has classified Wedding as armed and extremely dangerous, warning civilians against approaching him.

Where Is Ryan Wedding Now?

Despite a decade-long pursuit, Wedding has managed to evade law enforcement, using forged documents, aliases, and underground connections to remain undetected.

Authorities believe he is constantly on the move, protected by criminal networks that help him evade capture. With the reward now set at a record-high sum, investigators are intensifying efforts, calling on the public to aid in his arrest.

Ryan Wedding’s descent from an Olympic athlete to an international fugitive is a grim reminder of how power, greed, and crime can eclipse even the brightest of futures.

With multiple law enforcement agencies actively pursuing his capture, the walls are closing in. But until Wedding is brought to justice, his story remains an extraordinary—and cautionary—tale of what happens when ambition turns into obsession and sportsmanship into criminality.

How to Report Information on Ryan Wedding

The FBI urges anyone with information on Ryan James Wedding’s whereabouts to come forward immediately.

Ways to Report Tips:

• Contact the nearest FBI field office
• Reach out to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country
• Submit a tip online at FBI’s official website

Authorities stress that all tips remain anonymous, and anyone assisting in the capture of Wedding could receive part or all of the $10 million reward.

It is crucial to remember that all charges remain allegations until proven in a court of law. While the evidence against Wedding is substantial, he is entitled to due process and legal representation.

As the hunt for Ryan Wedding intensifies, the world watches to see how this story will unfold. Will justice be served? Or will the once-golden athlete continue his life in the shadows?