Steele Johnson

Steele has been a daredevil in the pool since he was four years old when his parents say hestarteddoing backflips off the diving board.Quicklyafterwards, theyenrolled him in swimming and diving lessonsto ensure his safety.

Safety is not always guaranteedinany sport and in 2009 Steele had a traumaticaccident that almost ended his career before it even started. He was training a relatively new skill, reverse 3½somersault, off the 10-meter platformwheninthe first rotation, hehit his head on the concrete platform which ended in a trip to the emergency room, thirty three staples, and a concussion. Since the accident Steele has gone on to compete this dive hundreds of times and even starred in a short film recounting his accident titled “Blood and Water”.

Competing on a broken foot atthe 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Steeleearned a Silver medal with 10-meter synchro partner, David Boudiaand placed 13thindividually.He has gone on to win 14Senior National Championships, 5 NCAA Championships, 2 Big Ten Championships, amongan arrayof other accolades and medals.

In 2017, Steele married his longtime girlfriend, Hilary Nussbaumand they reside in West Lafayette, INwith their two dogs, Aspenand Forrest. Outside of sport, Steelerecently graduatedfrom Purdue University in May of 2019 with a degree in film. His hobbies include photography, filmmaking, music, reading, and hiking. He is passionate about sharing his story of overcoming obstacles and his journey in faith with others in hopes of inspiring them to follow their dreams as well.