Saying Goodbye to Diving

[@joekacirek]

Steele, Winston Churchill once said, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” You have so much to offer young new divers, it is time to give back as a coach to those in need.

[@jasentheawesome]

Prayers for you. May your sorrow become joy.

[@rviloria97]

Take care of you first. Pray that your foot gets better. You've already accomplished so much at such a young age.

[@benhandley2165]

Heartbreaking to watch this Steele, especially having followed you from having about 1000 subscribers. Be proud of your career and especially of your fight against this injury over the last 6+ years. Thank you for sharing your journey, its been a pleasure to follow. All the best with the next surgery, hope you finally find some relief from your foot pain.

[@johnell46]

You have represented yourself well. You have represented our country with honor. Congratulations on all you have achieved. I hope your next chapter brings you joy.

[@lei27603]

What an amazing athlete and person! Prayer lifted for your foot to become stable with no pain. I hope you will still share parts of your next chapter. Dude- you're gonna rock it!!

[@darebear2001]

Bravery comes in many colours. It is all about facing difficulties with composure and grace. You demonstrate all of these qualities every day consistently and authentically. Your courage in facing your reality is a testament to who you are as a person. I wish you only the best as you journey on your new lifepath. This is only the beginning of your next chapter. Take care.

[@juliewaldvogel2216]

So sad to hear of your retirement, but glad that you’re not giving up. You’ve got so much ahead of you. Also, thank you for introducing me to Jen and Bunji Doodles - I have a dog because of you - and I will never forget that either. I hope you continue to post videos.

[@jeromepratt5393]

God bless and thank you for the memories. I pray for healing and future success.

[@yuk498]

What a beautiful, inspiring man. I discovered you only today, so very proud of your journey, your gunsmith, your resilience, your strength and your love so deep for something. Wishing you a beautiful, beautiful safe and full recovery for your foot and a great story ahead. 🩷

[@Kaitlin11]

You have such a healthy and grounded perspective and outlook on this. It’s so good to see. Thank u for sharing your journey with us. sending u all the love dealing with a chronic health issue moving forward, I know it’s tough. But worth it. ❤

[@jojole24]

I grew up watching you and enjoyed every moment I watched that was documented. thank you for being such a light and for making diving so much fun to watch. rooting for you!!

[@joeberta368]

Bet you would be a great diving coach. 😊

[@billadams2370]

Thanks, Steele, for sharing so much of your journey. I’ve followed you almost since you began your blogs. It’s been great fun and inspiring to be part of your journey. I am so grateful that I got to see you dive in person one time when you won the NCAA championship at the University of Minnesota. That day I got discharged from the Minneapolis Heart Institute and headed right over to the event, probably not one of the smartest things I have done. But I am so glad I got to see you dive in person. It has been hard to watch you suffer the past few years with all your foot surgeries and dashed hopes. You are such an incredibly strong person with a strong faith to sustain you. You have a wonderful help mate to lean on as you continue your journey through life. And you have many people who care about you, including me. All my best wishes, Bill

[@marccheban194]

Dear Steele, This is a beautifully done video. You are a beautiful human being with an amazingly talented body, you are authentic and loving and thankful. Your words carry the wisdom and 'knowing' that is rare for someone of your age. Know this: Your foot issues are signs from the Universe of Love that you need to close this chapter of your Life because a new, more challenging and fulfilling one needs to be written. You are so wise in responding positively to the Universe's beckoning, and this response will bring you healing, health, and happiness. Let me know of anything I might be able to do for you, because we are fellow Earth Travelers. I send you my Love...

[@Vivianbeepbop]

Diving will always be with you - I hope you can heal your foot and enjoy a pain free exciting future 🥺

[@nathanielswan909]

You will survive. I know it's tough. I had to say goodbye to 50. years of sailing, 11 years of outrigger canoe, and 20 years of tennis. You have learned to be resourceful enough to allow it to unfold.

[@MEMarco1958]

I think that one of the gifts that God will give you this Christmas will be testimonies from young athletes whom you have never met but were inspired by you to pursue their goals of athletic excellence! God bless you and keep posting wonderful memories and words of faith 😇😇😇

[@rickminer7528]

This was hard to watch. But I admire you for your courage and raw emotion you brought to this video. I will always remember your dad hollering YES! YES! when you would nail a dive. God's peace and blessings as you move forward, Steele.

[@litolito1893]

Your career is evolving into a new phase that will bring you happiness and fulfillment. Your experience allows you to empathize with other athletes who have a physical disability, injury, or lack of self-esteem. Consider coaching, mentoring, becoming a motivator, teaching, and sharing your beautiful soul and love for the sport with others. You have a wealth of knowledge and joy to give from training, dreaming, winning, achieving, recovering, and pushing yourself to the limit. You are a gem. First, take care of yourself then get up collect yourself and dive into your next endeavor. Your career and successes is heading towards a new path. Much love, buddy 🫶🏻

[@laurenmegspeed]

It was my utmost pleasure getting to watch you dive. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you. Wishing you the best of luck with your next surgery and a speedy recovery.

[@mary-annemonckton288]

Sorry to hear this Steele. Been following you since before 2012. So sad that your foot hasn’t healed. Wishing you healing and peace in the future.

[@rb012b]

Thank you so much for fighting through the pain to represent our country. I hope that you never leave the sport.

[@horselover4life3]

I have followed you since the start of my foot recovery journey. I am about to face my 6th surgery and was an equestrian before my injury. I crushed my foot when a horse fell on me in 2020. Following you has kept me strong and inspires me to keep going even if I won't be able to return to the sport. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Please know that you are so strong, and I am grateful for you.

[@Steele_Johnson]

I'm so sorry to hear you're going through a 6th surgery. Thank you for sharing your story! You're not alone, and I hope you get back to full health after this next surgery!

[@nativewarriorsd]

You will be missed!!! You are the BEST!!! Love Ya!!

[@spencerbjohnson]

Wisdom, my friend. Wisdom! Be present through this hard change. Grieve it. Process it. You have encouraged and inspired many more than you may realize. You're still running the race to win the prize. I will still be cheering you on! Blessings!

[@troubent]

Wow, you could have not said it better in expressing where you are at physically and mentally. Your perspective on your life shows that you have a strong support group behind you. Never let them go. I'm a sports agent and it's always hard to turn the page in your life and start a new chapter. God will show you the path and will lead you to where He wants you to be. First thing's first and that is to take care of your foot. An exciting new journey is about to begin and your fans will anxiously await for you to take them along for the ride. Prayers to you and your loved ones.

[@mensabs]

stunning and moving!

[@Conannnn-e9p]

Steele you have inspired me to begin diving your legacy lives on, we love you steele ❤❤

[@TheMuni777]

Major respect to you man. This could not have been an easy decision to make, that definitely shows. But you have SO much to be proud of, and your future kids will be so proud of all you accomplished and pushed through, and you have it all documented for them. God is always in control of every step we make, and he often leads us to places we didn’t expect, and sometimes it’s a disappointing place at first. But he always has good planned in the long run for those who love him, and every misfortune has a purpose. Congratulations to you on an amazing diving career, and I wish you all the best on what lies ahead!

[@xxobrittanyg]

I’m heartbroken for you 💔 You’ve had an incredible career! Thank you for allowing us to watch you succeed. I hope your future is full of more success and love ❤️

[@BobI-jb4rk]

Mad respect to you for having the courage and balls to share something so incredibly personal. I’ve enjoyed following your journey and look forward to following your next chapter and journey.

[@us-rnaria-serg]

I respect you very much, you are a bright athlete, you performed well. I wish you to find something very favorite in the next chapter. And of course, I wish you very good health and a life without pain. Please post some videos about yourself, about what you are doing in everyday life. ❤

[@oliviadominguez3980]

Been watching you since the very beginning Steele! Wishing you the best on this next step of your journey. So much to be proud of!

[@swirvgotti1793]

Wow! Didn't know you retired! You were great man! We all go thru different seasons of life. But, it can still be a great season! Good luck on your new journey!

[@TruhliAhmo]

Congratulations and you are very loved! Man is not a material being...

[@MichaelBrooksmsb400]

God has blessed you with a wonderful Wife, and hopefully soon to see a bunch of little Steel Johnsons running around in future videos. I have enjoyed all your Vlogs. May God continue to bless you in what ever you choose to do.

[@ShaneDocPuff]

So sorry to hear this, but your making the right choice for you future. I hope you will continue to blog and share your life with us where ever that takes you.

[@wksmith2155]

WOW this is heartbreaking. So sorry for your foot pain that’s been going so long. I’ve followed your career watching you & David win that medal. I’ve seen the posts of surgeries & recovery wished you a recovery enough to be on a podium again. Take care look forward to seeing what the future brings.

[@tylerslawson]

Steele, I felt this entire video. I appreciate your vulnerability and boldness to post this. I feel like the walking away part of things is a very Christian experience, but none less heartbreaking. Praying for you. God bless you. Isaiah 49:23

[@TheMikeKarl]

You are an amazing man, Steele Johnson. I'm sorry that this chapter in your life comes to an early close. But as they say, when one door closes another one opens. Thank you for bringing us along on this amazing journey. Good luck and God speed.

[@larrytaylor7170]

We have followed your diving career since you were 15. Sorry to hear of your pain and retirement. Best wishes for you, your family, and your future.

[@dougsargent1808]

Steele, so sorry you have to retire from diving. You are an inspiring young man and I'm quite sure you'll go on to do amazing things with your life. I hope this next surgery relieves you of the physical pain you've been dealing with. Please continue to post blogs--I'll be watching for them.

[@gilby2u]

Gave me tears to watch this. Well done video. As I mentioned in IG, Masters Diving is always around if get the urge for as basic as you want jumps/falls from boards/platform. Any age. Any dd. Any dive. ❤❤

[@cjquin81]

Thank you for documenting all the years of making the Olympics, the surgery and trials afterwards, training again and hopefully continuing to do youtube videos and maybe a twitch stream here and there.

[@michael1704]

I know it’s extremely difficult to retire from something you love and dedicated your life to but I think your perspective is correct. Being able to run, lift and play with your future children will make this decision less painful. You’ve accomplished and experienced so much in your young life and you have the memories no one can ever take away. I wish you much comfort emotionally and physically. Best wishes.

[@kewcraig]

HI ~ I don't know what to say ~ this is the first time I'm watched your vlog this morning and got me tearing up. I'm a deaf gentleman from New York ~ I can see your eyes fill up with tears and all the emotions you going through, I wish I could be there and hug you and I know how hard it is to make this announcement but hey look bright side you will have a good life ahead of you and you have your dreams and your goal right? Just follow your heart and your dreams! :) Stay healthy :) Davey from New York ❤🤟

[@Padraic-zr9ni]

stay strong your dedication and resilence is inspirational always remember the spriritual option I will remember you in my prayers.

[@katiewilliams5643]

Steele Your next chapter is gonna be a beautiful one sending you lots of love I hope I get a chance to meet you you’ve inspired me do much I’ve enjoyed watching you dive all I can say is thank you for being the amazing humble Olympian you are congratulations on all your accomplishments your truly a coaches dream and thank you.

[@lidsman2221]

Best of luck in whatever you decide to do. I have been following you since almost the start of your YT channel and I am glad I have. Thanks for the update and hang in there.

[@moonman32796]

You are an amazing Diver Steele. I’ve watched you for many years and enjoyed seeing your journey. Your health is important and I sincerely look forward to seeing where this next chapter of life takes you. Thank you for sharing so much of your diving career with us.

[@felichf]

good luck, hope and pray everything ends well for you...

[@hoophil]

Hi Steele! Wow, I'm so sorry, to hear your foot pain is still continuing and your situation doesn't sound good. You had me crying with you, you are such down to earth young man. I've been following you long before your Olympic journey and have and will continue to pray for your foot to get better. I hope your next surgery goes well. Please keep in touch, thanks for sharing your very difficult decision with us, I can't imagine how hard a decision it was. But you are strong and will do well in the next chapter of your life. God bless you Steele, love you man!

[@jonathanchan8882]

Happy trails Steele! Proud of you! You got this.

[@nancytucker5191]

I understand your frustration I have issues with my ankles it never fully heals. Stay strong and positive

[@briancase6180]

Speaking from experience: It's good to leave a sport when you feel you have something left in the tank. It's really difficult to know, but if you feel like you could do more, take that into the next thing. Injuries are terrible; they don't seem fair, but it's just the hand you've been dealt. The good thing is that you have everything to look forward to. Everything--except diving at the level you love--is possible. There's one thing you can't do, and 999 million left to do. You just don't know what's coming. Seek it out.

[@andremarcosmendessiqueira9756]

Steele I found your channel while you were getting ready for the Rio 2016. I met you in a traditional time of my faith, which you were instrumental. You made me fall in love with the sport of diving. He’s bored that I still love to. So thank you for being such a part of my life. You may not be continuous diving, but continue evermore pursuing sanctification in building your faith in relationship with our Father

[@SarahShuford]

Oh this hurts my heart, Steele! But definitely be proud of all that you’ve accomplished with the sport of diving. Hopefully we can see you as a commentator or even coach one day since you’ve made an incredible impact. Can’t wait to see what this next chapter will bring you!

[@marcybeasley3766]

Love you sir.... you got this and the next chapter is going to be a good one. Thanks for a ton of fun memories and here's to whatever is next for you and your family

[@ОльгаБалацун]

Стил отличный парень ! Талантливый одаренный спортсмен! Желаю ему скорейшего выздоровления ! Надеюсь он не оставит дайвинг ! И будет передавать свой бесценный опыт молодым драйверам которые только начинают свою спортивную карьеру ! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@mikeskaggs1890]

Steele huge decision that I know was difficult but was made with much good thought. I have totally enjoyed following you from that young kid to the super man you are. You have fought through the injuries with so much courage. Thank you for representing the Country.

[@broker5002]

I have strong faith that everything will be alright. Hopefully, next procedure will take care of the pain. God is going to take care of you. If diving was meant to end. The next chapter begins, You are going to be a great father and have can live life and have fun. Everything will be ok. We love you and pray for your future. Hang in there. I'm praying for total healing.

[@tracymayertravel]

I am so sorry. I hope the next chapter will be better than you can imagine. Keep posting we will be with you. This recap of your diving career was so well done and can only imagine how hard it was to make.

[@djmedrano]

So sad but I'm proud of you and all your history. I love you Steele ❤

[@placegoer]

All the best to you!

[@HikingInSierras]

Steele, be proud of all that you accomplished -- a very successful career indeed. So much more good in your life is ahead.

[@Maurice-Navel]

Best of luck for your future!!

[@danfobb8301]

deeply moved

[@witsendcottage595]

Remember...YOU will always be a Purdue Boilermaker! Boiler Up !

[@raingod8]

Dr. Phisitkul is in CNOS Dakota Dunes, SD. He did 2 of my surgeries, and he's incredible he can do miracles. He shaved bone spurs off the lateral end of my tibia that were growing like swords into my patella tendon. It was painful every time I bent my knees and i couldn't squat without incredible pain in my patella tendons from the sword like bone spurs on my tibia. he shaved them down and it was incredible to be able to sit in child's pose on my knees and not have to balance on the blades.

[@lalanasneidar1517]

I know this was a hard decision and I wish you the best in your next journey will miss hanks for the memories

[@hannahbenenati7544]

Congratulations on a great dive career!

[@francisnguyen6349]

Steele Johnson, I'm really hoping you have a good day.

[@philipthebiolaprof]

Steele, I've enjoyed watching your channel ever since I learned about you during the Rio Olympics. Now that you live here in OC, I'm sure there are any number of colleges that would love to have you as a coach. I teach at Biola University, and we have a diving program if that interests you. I also pray that your foot is able to heal and that you find relief from the pain you've endured for the last several years.

[@wilcollado9908]

I sad to hear that Your retirement..your one of the Olympians I wanted to meet because you are a Christian..I know how you feel .. my Martial arts Was cut short due to a knee injury.. I promise myself I wouldn't go through more than one operation on my knee. 15 years after my knee operation I was still in agonizing pain. A friend named Dorcas who became my wife.. she Prayed over my knee. In 6 years I haven't had pain in my knee.. The lord will heal you and I will see you win gold in The Olympics in Jesus Perfect timing. Amen

[@Trevianliver17]

You will be missed

[@27degrees]

I've followed your journey for the last ten years so this was hard to watch. Don't disappear now - pop back occasionally and let us know how you're doing.

[@mojo_sports]

broooo i watched u in the begining great career

[@philcoppa]

been watching you for years and can understand your disappointment. But mature people face reality and the body doesn't always allow what we'd like. Go ahead and have those kids. They'll be more in the long run than diving, even if you ride a scooter to keep up with them.

[@Saffrondarling]

I know where you’re coming from with the bad foot. In the last 10 years I’ve had my baby toe amputated, half the bones in my foot removed due to infection, and a lump removed. I’m now in the process of looking for a surgeon who can fix my ankle so my foot doesn’t lean when I walk. I also have 2 wounds on my foot that won’t heal.

[@perrycomeau2627]

Swimming and walking to Elvis is good.

[@nancytucker5191]

On a good note have you thought about coaching ❤

[@johnpusztay]

My heart goes out to you. But all's not lost. Sure, competing is done, BUT you can always coach and mentor the next set of divers.

[@perrycomeau2627]

CADA, yup

[@davidjanis9750]

A simple comment. I get it.

[@jamesevans2036]

Have you been tested for Elose Danlose syndrome? Mention it to your Dr.

[@ducheau100]

Don't be so dramatic. you are a man

[@remi-peace]

I’m so sorry. You are an incredible and beautiful person in every way. I’m so thankful you know that your worth is not in diving. You have accomplished monumental things! You are so loved. Thank you for sharing with us all. 🫂🕊️❤️‍🩹🙏🏻❤️