Nerves of Steele, Part III: The Regular Dude

This is Part III in a series on Olympic diving hopeful Steele Johnson, who just completed competition at the US Diving Olympic Team Trials in Federal Way, WA.

By Ernie Geigenmiller

During my first of several interviews with 16-year-old diving champion Steele Johnson when discussion came to his personal achievements he would quickly change the subject.

I asked him about being a 10-time national diving champion. His reply: “Yes, it’s true, but you know my brother (Race) is an awesome football player here,” he continued. “He’s worked so hard to get where he is – we are so proud of him.”

I did eventually get the answers I was seeking, but in the process I learned a lot about his family.

“My mom is a professional actress and singer,” he said. “My dad was a baseball star in college, my sister Hollyn is awesome. I am so thankful I come from a great family. They are so supportive of what I do.”

He emphasized the support he has, and that without them it wouldn’t be possible to be in competition with the nation’s best divers: Olympians David Boudia and Thomas Finchum, as well as Nick McCrory, and others.

Steele and his diving partner, Toby Stanley, got second place in the Men’s 10-meter Synchro Platform this week – only behind Boudia and McCrory.

Steele's Adventures
Hazel Dell Christian Church youth group having fun in the snow.
Steele is in front with wearing the pink hat.
 
 “That’s our Steele,” says Corina Redmon, one of Steele’s church youth leaders at Hazel Dell Christian Church, in Carmel, Indiana. “Just being around him you wouldn’t know he was a world class athlete. He will talk about his diving success, but only when asked. And then he quickly changes the subject.”

Sound familiar?

“We have been so excited about his diving this week at the Olympic Trials,” Redmon continued. “The Sunday before he left our pastor brought him to the podium and announced to the congregation Steele was heading to the Olympic Trials. Several people didn’t even realize he was a diver. He just doesn’t flaunt it.”

The young diver mostly keeps his two lives separate.

His mother, Jill Johnson, says “because he’s home-schooled, he has his diver friends and his church friends, and when he’s not at the pool, he’s just Steele, the kid I have to remind to go to bed early, and to clean his room.”

Redmon said Steele doesn’t like the limelight away from the pool.

“We just see him as a good-looking, well-spoken young man who loves God,” said Redmon. “He’s always very helpful and knows how to have fun.”

Spencer Redmon, a fellow church friend, says: “He really doesn’t talk about diving, but he does talk about the latest video games and sports teams and is a lot of fun at youth group parties. In our small church groups, Steele will talk about important life matters. But he’s also the biggest joker in the group.”

The church youth group has gone to warehouses to help stock food banks, assist with the homeless and just returned from a mission trip to Joplin, Missouri (to help with tornado relief).

“He doesn’t let diving get in the way of any church friendships,” said Spencer. “He’s a very humble person and I’ve learned a lot by just watching him. He gives us a lot of hope to do something that big.”

Paul Duke, one of Steele’s small group leaders, says that Steele “is very grounded and doesn’t come across as one of the nation’s top divers.”

Student minister Jimmy Scott says, “Steele really does love his church and is part of the leadership team and encourages others. He is also a total cut up – he’s the life of the party, but not in a show off kind of way.”

Steele's Friends
Steele coaches friend Jake Smith on the fundamentals of diving.

His family says he’s quiet when he’s in new surroundings or with unfamiliar people.

But if you really want to get Steele talking, mention his YouTube VLOGS at thesteelejohnsonchannel. The world-class diver has committed to recording everyday of his life for a full year. It’s mostly silly talk about the most mundane aspects of his life, but he manages to make boring things interesting.

A recent post from Seattle featured him convincing his sister that orange chicken at a fast food restaurant was “panda meat.” It was hilarious!

The videos have Steele running around everywhere and have opened up the Johnson home to the world. So, how does mom feel about that?

“Well, we don’t keep secrets at our house,” says Jill. “We’ve always taught that it takes way too much energy to keep secrets so our life is an open book, and Steele is documenting that life. It’s all fun.”

At heart of this world-class diver is a kid who simply loves life and loves to jump off things, says Steele’s best friend, Jake Smith.

“I’ve known him for 13 years,” says Smith. “He’s very outgoing, very fun to be around, but he knows when to be serious. He’s very committed to what he wants. If he’s committed to figuring out a dive, he’ll figure it out. He’s very determined.”

Steele made a name for himself this past week at the Olympic Diving Trials. He did well, and the crowds loved him.

When Steele completed his last dive and walked along poolside, a beaming Bill Johnson, waved to his son and quietly said, “that’s my boy!”

Thirty minutes later, I was standing alongside Bill discussing the whole experience, when along comes his son, dressed in his USA Diving street clothes. We went to greet him so we could take pictures and grant me one final interview.

And then a swarm of teenagers with cameras clamoring for autographs fills the hallway, blocking traffic.

“There he is,” says one girl. “Steele, can I have your autograph? Steele, can I take your picture? Over here, please.”

 

Steele's Fans
After his final Olympic Trials event, Steele came up for a media interview and
family photos but was swarmed by adoring fans who wanted autographs and
photos taken with the teenage diver.

He just smiles and kindly asks each one for their name. Bill, looks on, smiles and says, “He handles this so well.” We waited for 20 minutes for the crowds to depart. The Johnson family has put their heart and soul into these diving experiences.

“Never have my other kids complained about this,” he said during a Thursday interview. “We’ve put everything we have into our kids and will let God sort out the rest. It’s been worth it. It’s been and will continue to be a lot of fun!”

After Saturday’s final interview was done (for the video documentary), my son, Aaron, and I went outside to see the fun exhibits and we bumped into Steele’s sister, Hollyn, waiting in line. I asked her about the experience.

“It’s been a lot of fun and we’ve see a lot of diving,” she said. “I’m so happy for my brother but I’m ready to go home.”

She told me some nice things about her family, media coverage and the Olympics, but her final comments struck a nerve.

She told me Steele’s a great brother, quietly saying: “He’s special.”

 

Steele Family
From left to right: Steele’s father Bill Johnson; grandmother Judy Lugar;
sister Hollyn Johnson; Steele; brother Race Johnson; Grandpa Lugar,
and mother Jill Lugar Johnson.
 
 
 
 
 
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Going to London! Winners Declared in Women’s Three-meter Springboard; Men’s 10-meter Platform Competition Saturday

 

 

Four more spots on the US Diving Olympic Team were earned Saturday following competitions in the women’s 3-meter springboard and the men’s 10-meter platform at the US Olympic Team Trials in Federal Way, WA.

Cassidy Krug and Olympian Christina Loukas are heading to London as part of the 2012 US Olympic Team and will compete in the women’s 3-meter springboard, while Olympian David Boudia and Nick McCrory, who won Thursday night in the men’s 10-meter synchro platform, finished atop the men’s individual 10-meter standings Saturday at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

Krug scored 1094.85 points, while Loukas finished with 1017.85 points to finish second. Loukas competed at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Krug started with 79.50 points on her first dive, an inward 2 ½, and scored 75 points or higher on three other dives during the competition.

Loukas headed into the finals in second place. She scored 72 points or higher on three other dives, including 76.50 on her back 2 ½ in the first round.

Boudia finished with 1642.40 points, with McCrory placing second with 1582.55.

Boudia scored more than 100 points on two dives in the finals, earning one 10 for 102.60 points on his back 3 ½ pike and receiving three 9.5s for 101.75 points on his front 4 ½ tuck.

McCrory earned an incredible six 10s of his own, including five on a back 3 ½ tuck for 99 points. He had another 10 on a reverse 3 ½ tuck that scored 92.40 points. He also scored 97.20 points on his back 2 ½ with 2 ½ twists.

Olympic diving legend, Greg Louganis, helped present the glass awards to Boudia and McCrory and shortly afterward he bumped McCrory and knocked the award to the ground, shattering it. Louganis quickly started to pick up the shards of glass and managed to cut himself in the process. He was clearly embarrassed, and a few minutes later presented a new glass award to McCrory.

On Friday night, Troy Dumais became a four-time Olympian when he and diving partner Kristian Ipsen won the men’s synchronized 3-meter title.

Saturday’s event had an all-time attendance record at the King County Aquatic Center.

 

David Boudia
Olympic diving legend, Greg Louganis, helped present awards to
David Boudia, and Nick McCrory. Louganis is shown getting ready to hug
Boudia, who will attend his second Olympic games in London.

 

David Boudia2
David Boudia at the US Diving Olympic Team Trials.

 

Steele
Steele Johnson, left, and David Boudia practice before Saturday’s
10-meter platform competition at the US Diving Olympic Team Trials.

 

Christo Law
Christo Law prepares for a dive during a practice session at the US Diving
Olympic Team Trials.

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2012 US Olympic Diving Team Starts Taking Shape

By Ernie Geigenmiller

The 2012 US Olympic Diving Team’s first four athletes were announced to the world Thursday night at the finals for the Women’s synchronized 3m and the Men’s synchronized 10m at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, WA.

Kelci Bryant (a 2008 Olympian) and Abby Johnston came out ahead in an extremely close women’s synchronized 3-meter contest. They barely edged out 2008 Olympian Christina Loukas and Kassidy Cook, who have gotten a lot of recent press attention.  The winning score was 956.40, just .42 seconds ahead of Loukas and Cook.

It was dramatic.

Meanwhile David Boudia and Nick McCrory dominated the men’s synchronized 10-meter event. Boudia, a 2008 Olympian is excited about the win, and said: “we have a lot of hard work to do in the next three to four weeks.”

Boudia and McCrory had a solid lead going into the finals, as scores at the Trials are cumulative (prelims, semi-finals, and finals). Second place went to the Toby Stanley/Steele Johnson duo. They also had a stellar performance.

 

Synchro
Kelci Bryant and Abby Johnston won the Women’s Synchronized 3m contest
and will head to London for the 2012 Olympic Games.

 

 

 

Diving
Nick McCrory and David Boudia won the 10m Synchro, and will
head to the Olympics in London this summer.
 

“We are so proud of the boys,” said Bill Johnson, Steele’s father. “Boudia deserved to be on the Olympic team and he will do a great job representing the United States.”

Olympic gold medalist and diving legend, Greg Louganis, was on-hand to witness the events. He spoke to several spectators and was happy for the winners.

Boudia’s fans sat together wearing blue shirts and screamed for joy at the results. “We’re so thrilled for them!” said one supporter.

2008 Olympian, Thomas Finchum, hopes to be a two-time Olympian as he competes in Saturday’s 10m individual events. “I’ve had to deal with several injuries,” he said. “But I’m doing well and hope things will turn out for the best this Saturday.”

Finchum spent a lot of time with fans Thursday night signing autographs.

“The boys did great tonight!” said Jill Johnson, Steele’s mother. “I could tell by the way Steele was acting before it started that he would do well. He was having fun and it showed in his dives. Our goal has always been Rio in 2016, and it was great to see the boys make a strong showing tonight.”

Our next report will be on the 10m platform finals.

 

 

Diving Duo
Steele Johnson and Toby Stanley placed 2nd
in the Men’s 10m Synchro.
 

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Spartans Invade Washougal

By Seth Sjostrom

More than 4,000 participants tested their physical and mental toughness Saturday at the Pacific Northwest’s first Spartan Race held in Washougal. The Washougal Motocross track formed the ideal setting for the mud-obstacle course with its hilly landscape and winding trails.
The Spartan Race crew set up a course encompassing four arduous miles, twenty muscle ripping obstacles, and gobs of thick mud. Sound like fun? As a participant, I can tell you it was!

A strange thing happened as I arrived at the park. A feeling washed over me reminiscent of stepping on the baseball field before the first pitch (a long, long time ago) – my chest felt tight, a pit welled up in my stomach, a mild anxiety took root through my veins. For whatever reason, I was nervous. To be clear, I wasn’t entirely sure why. A fellow racer nearby echoed the sentiment. As did another.

When the DJ tossed out the smoke bomb and a staffer dressed in full Spartan garb took the mic, we knew it was time, nervous or not we were about to launch. “Who are you?” the Spartan asked. The racers chorused the response “I am Spartan!” No looking back, we were off.

The first ¼ mile of the race was a long, winding ascent. As more of a hiker than a runner, I endured a string of fleet-footed racers streaking by me. Working our way up the course, I was actually glad to see the first obstacle – a rib-high wall to vault over – we were entering the meat of the course.

Another wall and uphill climb later, we faced our second challenge. A series of heavy cement blocks were strung through pulleys. One by one, the Spartans hoisted the blocks in the air. As mine hovered at the peak of its line, a drill-sergeantesque voice called out, “If you drop my weight, you’ll owe me thirty burpees!” I gingerly let my block lower to the ground, it actually lifting me momentarily off my feet. A burpee, the Spartan Race penalty for a failed task, is a military derived exercise involving a squat which lays into a push-up and ends in a jump-squat (more or less). On this trail, you did not want to exhaust yourself with burpees.

The next challenge had us climbing up and over a high wall, slipping under a wall with a small gap at the bottom and through a windowed wall. This would be repeated three times before we were sent on our way to face another challenge. A pile of sandbags stacked at the ready, we were to hoist the 40lbs over our shoulders and march them up a circuit and back. At this point, the challenges seemed to regulate the athletes. While I am sure a few studs (and studettes) continued their dominance, most of the group I had started with seemed to be generally clustered. Pure speed was not the answer, neither was strength, or endurance. Somehow, the mix that the Spartan race had unfolded tested the whole of the participant and it began to become clear that it was so much more about digging deep and soldiering on than its pure physical elements.
While there had been sections of mud to either run or crawl through, the series of mud pools we encountered next added an entirely different muddy component to the course. I found the neck-deep pools to be quite refreshing after the sandbag exercise, though I did find I had to stop and squeeze empty a pocket full of water an – unusual feature of my hiking trousers.

Sufficiently introduced to the mud, we met a section that would up the ante considerably. A seemingly endless line of undulating hills were completely laced with barbed-wire hovering a scarce ten inches off of the ground. On our bellies, we slithered through the mud army-crawl style through the sea of hills. Adding to our enjoyment was a pair of the Spartan crew spraying us and the course sadistically with a fire hose. With the crest of each hill, I would hear fellow participants groan as they were met with yet more wire-covered knolls. Elbows and knees dug in, they would set back to work, determined to drive their way through to completion.

Pushing beyond the barbed wire sea, we found ourselves confronted by a series of 9 foot walls. Some had enough room to offer a running start; a few were at the very top of a hill, thwarting any such launching opportunities. Here is where I fully realized another key about the Spartan Race. Along with the physical and mental test to oneself was the camaraderie and common goal of your fellow Spartans. To be honest, when I was first told of the race, I envisioned a testosterone-fueled ego fest. What I found, instead, was a community of encouragement. The race was one of completion, for you and those around you. Time trials and ego were nowhere in mind, replaced by the joy of the test and supporting those that chose to be tested alongside you. Who knew that while climbing over a wall and stopping to help others over that same wall, while entirely caked with mud and sweat, I would find a message endearing and profound.

Pushing on with renewed vigor, I tackled the next weighty challenge. Our task was to drag a heavy cement block tethered to a steel chain around an uphill circuit and back. As I was lugging my shackle up the slope, I felt for some of my fellow Spartans. This was one of the more physically demanding tasks that the course was to offer. As I and a few of my fellow Spartans returned to the pen which housed the blocks, we drug them a little further to set up the next Spartan so that they didn’t have to fight the weight over the edge of the corral.

We were warned about the next piece. “We are opposed to broken necks!” the MC declared before we had started. As we crested a hill, found ourselves at the precipice of a giant slip and slide fed by large fire hoses. With one well-timed leap, I was hurtling down the slope. I think most Spartans sat carefully down on the slide, I reasoned this as the crew member monitoring the section laughed hysterically at my abrupt landing and lightning-paced descent into the murky pool below. Bruised backside aside, I made impressive time!
Spartans
Saturday’s Spartan Race at the Washougal Motocross track.

 

Seth

 

Races

As we rounded the next bend, we were met by the most impressive obstacle yet – a daunting hill climb latticed in barbed wire. Once more in the army crawl position, we pushed along on our bellies fighting a deep layer of mud, gravity and thousands of barbs tearing at our backs. This ascent coaxed the most groans, stalls and contemplation from racers to bail out and accept the punishment of burpees. If any voiced their concern, a steward would promptly warn the penalty had raised to sixty burpees. Stacked tight under the daunting barbed wire, we urged each other on. If someone faltered and began to slide, we would catch their foot or grab a hand and pull them along or stabilize them. Gutting it out, the procession pushed ahead. As we reached the final stretch, the slope steepened. Mud soaked ropes lined the bank offering our exit strategy. Hand over hand, we made our way to the top.

The final push had us traversing monkey bars, our slick hands fighting for grip. Giant tractor tires became a strength-testing game of ring toss. Sliding into a pool, we were asked to climb ropes high into the air to ring a bell, signaling we had reached the pinnacle – if not – more burpees. I felt strong as my right hand stretched out and gave the bell a hearty thwack.

My elation was tempered as I watched Spartan after Spartan fail to stick a spear into a hay bale mounted high on a pole. “Aim high,” one fellow Spartan offered as I took his spot. I did, hitting the target square in the center! I watched as the spear sailed through the air, finding its mark. I slumped as the weapon turned sideways and fell harmlessly to the ground. My first set of burpees.

The next two obstacles were more to my liking. A wooden climbing wall with challenging hand and foot holds to traverse. I scurried along, pounding the bell signaling I reached the end. Scampering, I launched myself up and over a giant cargo net. The finish was near.

I raced towards the final obstacles. An innocent looking line of posts dotted the trail. Leaping on one of them, I teetered as I found the posts were loose in the ground. Holding my balance I centered myself. Carefully, I made another step. Balance. Another step. My pulse quickened, I was going to make it. Another step. My knobby mud shoes fought for grip on the wooden post. Step….down. More burpees.

As I completed my second set, squat, push-up, jump, I endured racers wooshing past, heading for the finish. Landing my final burpee, I sprinted for the home stretch. Surprised I still had gas in the tank, I overtook fellow Spartans. Ahead of me, a blaze of logs and coals stretched across the entirety of the trail, launching myself forward, I cleared the hurdle and raced for the finish. Seeing the end, I was confronted with the final impediment – a cadre of ruthless Spartan crew armed with battle batons, pushing and pummeling at us, daring us to progress forward. Leaping, I dodged one attacker, enduring a fierce blow from another and dashed across the finish line!

Attendants were immediately at my side, honoring me with a Spartan badge, providing me with much needed water and a banana. I made my way to my son who grinned as I crossed the finish. I threw my arms out, but was met with resistance. Hayden eyed me suspiciously, noting the thorough coating of mud, he was not taken to my offer for a hug. Relenting, he leaned into me, his now Spartan dad.

Prior to the race, I questioned my toughness. I was uncertain to the spirit of the contest. I found the call “I am Spartan” to be a bit goofy. On my triumphant walk to the vehicle with my son, I was pleased with the performance of my 40 year old body. I embraced the mission of the race, not as a contest, but rather a building of community, a collection and triumph of human spirit. I was proud to announce with my fellow racers “I am Spartan!”

Pleased with my accomplishment and the overall experience of the Spartan, I am left with one final question, how can I build one of these in my backyard?

The Spartan Race returns to the Pacific Northwest in August 2013. In addition to the adult race, there are children’s versions accommodating two different age groups. For more information, visit www.spartanrace.com.
About the contributor: Seth Sjostrom is a local resident and author. His first release, Blood in the Snow, is now available. For more information on Seth or his books, visit wolfprintpublishing.com.
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Olympic Diving Trials 10m Synchro Finals Thursday

Trials. It all comes down to a few dives.

The Men’s and Women’s 10m Synchronized Platform dives head into Finals Thursday night at the 2012 US Diving Olympic Trials in Federal Way, WA, with the top pair from each division earning a place on the US Olympic Diving team.

2008 Olympic swimmer David Boudia and his partner, Nick McCrory, head into the finals with a solid first place position, based on scores from Sunday’s semi-finals. The diving duo made up of teens Toby Stanley and Steele Johnson were in second place, followed by the Steele Johnson/Dash Enos duo.

Johnson, who we’ve been following, had a rough day Tuesday in the 10m Platform prelims but finished the event with a solid 407C dive.

“I’m just going to go have fun,” he said.

And he will.

David Boudia
2008 Olympian David Boudia prepares prior to a dive
at the 2012 US Diving Olympic Trials.
Johnson
Steele smiling.
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US Diving Olympic Trials Results: Day 1

Since we’ve been following the journey of Steele Johnson, and his diving partners, Dash Enos and Toby Stanley, we’ll report those results first. After Men’s 10m Synchro Prelims and Semi Finals, Steele Johnson and Toby Stanley are in 2nd place; and Steele and Dash are in 3rd. These world-class divers did very well, and are just behind Olympian David Boudia and Nick McCrory (who is trying to make his first Olympics). A full detailed report is in the works and will be posted on Monday.

USA Divers
From left to right: World-class divers Toby Stanley, Steele Johnson, and Dash Enos
at the first day of the 2012 US Diving Olympic Trials at Federal Way, WA.


Steele Johnson
Steele Johnson, left, and Dash Enos practice a 10m platform dive.


10m Platform
Steele Johnson, left, and Dash Enos practice a 10m platform dive.
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Nerves of Steele, Part II: “Ready To Go!”

 

This is Part 2 in a series on Olympic diving hopeful Steele Johnson as he competes at the 2012 US Diving Olympic Trials in Federal Way, WA.

By Ernie Geigenmiller

Steele Johnson. It’s not everyday a 16-year-old gets to compete in front of a national audience, but that’s what happens today at the King County Aquatic Center, host of the 2012 US Diving Olympic Trials.

Steele1
Steele Johnson at a recent competition. Photo courtesy of Michael Thomas.
Used with his permission.

But Steele Johnson, the 16-year-old diver from Carmel, Indiana, isn’t your everyday teenager. You see, he’s used to performing before national and international audiences. The 10-time national champion continues to impress audiences and peers with his amazing, spot-on performances, which are buoyed by his sheer drive and determination. These are traits that will carry the young man through perhaps his most challenging week of competition.

At stake is a spot on the 2012 US Olympic Diving Team. Some 120 US divers from all around the country have been practicing these last few days at King County Aquatic Center in preparation to earn one of those coveted spots.

Those of you reading this that are in your 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s or beyond, can you imagine at 16 what is going on through this young man’s head? I can’t. Most people would run away from the sheer thought.

During my two previous interviews with Steele, he emphasized focus. “If I just focus on what needs to be done; if I do every dive the best I can I will earn a spot on that team,” he said. “I just have to get the job done. “

Focus. Determination. Confidence.

First up are the 10m platform synchro dives with partners Tobias Stanley and Dashiell Enos, who in their own right are amazing divers. The duos are performing two voluntary dives, and four optional dives. They will perform the 103B, 301B, 207C, 107B, 5253B and 407C dives.

What does that mean?

Well, it’s best to understand the components first.

According to USA Diving: Dives are described by their full name (e.g. reverse 3 1/2 somersault with 1/2 twist) or by their numerical identification (e.g. 5371D), or “dive number.” Twisting dives utilize four numerical digits, while all other dives use three. Specific dive numbers are not random — they are created by using these guidelines:

  1. All dives are identified by three or four digits and one letter.
  2. The first digit indicates the dive’s group: 1 = forward, 2 = back, 3 = reverse, 4 = inward, 5 = twisting, 6 = armstand
  3. In front, back, reverse and inward dives, a 1 as the second digit indicates a flying action. A ‘0’ indicates none. In twisting and armstand dives, the second digit indicates the dive’s group (forward, back, reverse).
  4. The third digit indicates the number of half somersaults.
  5. The fourth digit, if applicable, indicates the number of half twists.
  6. The letter indicates body position: A = straight, B = pike, C = tuck, D = free.

Pretty technical stuff.

For his individual 10m platform dives, Steele will perform six other dives, as well. These include: 5253B, 207C, 107B, 6245D (this is the handstand, with a 3.6 degree of difficulty), 307C (with a 3.3 degree of difficulty) and the 407C.

To translate this, for example, the 107B is a forward dive with 3 ½ somersaults in a pike position.

Piece of cake, right?

He only makes it look easy. This is what he trains for six days a week. This is his job. And he’s darn good at it.

Focus. Determination. Confidence.

Steele Johnson, bottom, and Tobias Stanley, at a recent competition.

Steele’s Friends Speak Out

His best friend, Jake Smith, says Steele looks at diving as his job – a job for which he has an intense passion.

“He’s a very determined person,” said Smith. “Diving is his total passion, and he’s completely committed to it.”

Several others from Carmel have said the same thing.

Corina Redmon, one of Steele’s church youth leaders said: “He has a confidence in himself, but is not arrogant. Steele and his coach feel they’re going to accomplish this.”

Smith says Steele looks at this as his job, and plans to get the job done. “I really feel he’ll do this,” he added.

As for Steele himself, he told me on the eve of opening day: “I’m feeling ready to go.”

The competition opens at 3 pm PDT with the women’s synchro performances, which will be followed by the men’s synchros.

Showtime.

If Steele has any doubts he’s not showing it. He has an entire church and community sending prayers his way. And, it goes way beyond that — but that’s for another article.

“We all pray Steele will be focused,” said Redmon. “He has our full support.”

Steele4
Steele Johnson did well at the Pan American Games in Colombia.

After the intensity of the moment fades, and after competitors dry off and put on their street clothes, Steele will return to the normalcy of being a normal teen.

Well, kinda.

My guess is he’ll turn on his handy camera to videotape the last part of the day’s events – and sign off with a polite “goodnight.”

Since May, the Olympic hopeful records some of the most mundane aspects of his life – and manages to make it funny. His uncle, Jack Lugar, just shakes his head. “Yes, that’s our Steele. He’s a great kid! He has a lot of talent.”

He has dedicated himself to taping every day of his life for 365 days. My third son, Jordan, told me: “Steele says nothing better than anybody I know. He’s hilarious!”

A budding second career? Perhaps. But for now, we’re just focusing on the Olympic Trials.

He’s ready. Are you?

The next article, Part 3, will focus on Steele Johnson, the son, the friend, and the person. Diving is a major part of his life, but there’s a whole other side. It’s actually quite remarkable, too.

 

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CRST Swimmer Julia Sanders Eyes 26.3 Time for Olympic Trials 50m Freestyle Cut

Sixteen-year-old Julia Sanders has already had a stellar swimming career, setting records, winning competitions and is considered a rising star in USA Swimming. Her latest battle is pushing herself to make the Olympic Trials swimming time standard for the 50m free — and that number is 26.3 seconds.

“It’s not an easy thing to accomplish,” said CRST Head Coach Darlene Hill. “But she’s been working at it.”

Her personal record for the 50m free is 26.69, or three-tenths of a second from making the cut to compete at the Olympic Swimming Trials, which begin on June 25 in Omaha, Nebraska.

In order to qualify for USA Swimming’s national meets, swimmers must first post a qualifying time during the qualifying period. These time standards, or “cuts” are set before the swim season begins.

So Sanders, who is a delightful and determined individual, is getting her final opportunity to make that cut on Saturday at Mt. Hood Community College. Meeting the 26.39 time opens the door to compete at the Olympic Trials.

Julia Sanders
Julia Sanders swims for the
Columbia River Swim Team in
Vancouver.
 
 
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Nerves of Steele, Part I: Johnson’s Journey

By Ernie Geigenmiller

This is Part 1 in a series on Olympic diving hopeful Steele Johnson as he arrives at Federal Way, WA, home to the 2012 US Diving Olympic Team Trials.

At age 2, Steele Johnson decided he loved doing front flips. Two years later, he stunned his parents again by performing back flips. As time marched on, it was clear he loved to leap off high places and had an affinity for the water.

“Mom thought I was getting dangerous,” Johnson said. “So she enrolled me in a diving class when I was 8. She wanted to make sure I didn’t hurt myself.”

Once he started diving, it became his passion, and eventually the soccer cleats and lacrosse gear were put away. Diving became his focus.

A diver was born.

 

Steele at 14
10-time national champion, Steele Johnson, competes
in Germany earlier this year. He turns 16 this Saturday.
 

He recalls those first few weeks of diving practice near his Carmel, Indiana home. “For the first two weeks of diving, we were just jumping off boards,” he said. “It was fun.”

He took a real liking to the sport and within three years, the young diver began traveling with elite athletes who were much older. His first traveling event was at Harvard in 2007 when he was just 11 years old.

“There I was, not even five feet tall,” he recalled. “And I was standing on the 10 meter platform with college kids. It was so intimidating to be so small and stand on that platform. And it was awkward, too. None of my teammates would talk to me, and I was lonely. So, I just focused on getting the job done.”

He got the job done, and swept both events.

He then went onto London and won two gold medals and a silver.

“I absolutely love to dive,” Johnson said. “It’s a great sport, and I’ve been blessed with great coaches, and supportive family and friends.”

Johnson is coached by John Wingfield, who is the Head Coach for the USA Diving Team. He has trained with Olympians David Boudia and Thomas Finchum and feels blessed to be associated with such great people.

 

Steele and Toby
Steele Johnson, bottom, does the 10m synchro
with diving partner Tobias Stanley. This is
one of the events he will compete in this upcoming
week at the Olympic Trials in Federal Way, WA.
 

His diving team practices six days a week from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm (Saturday is a half day) and then he does schoolwork through the Laurel Springs Academy, which is a home school program that helps elite athletes. The team does “dryland” practice for two hours a day (trampoline, dryboard, mats, conditioning, weight training) and then hits the pool to dive.

Johnson started turning heads in 2008 when he swept all events at a Junior National competition. A year later, he competed in the Junior Pan American Games and placed fourth in the 3-meter synchro, second in the 1-meter and got gold in the 3-meter and platform dives. In 2011, he won four golds and one silver at Junior Nationals.

He’s also trained and spent time with Olympic diver and gold medalist, Greg Louganis. And one NBC sports commentator hailed him as “part of the future of diving.”

“That’s a big honor,” Johnson said of the comment. “But I just think of it as what I do every day. This is a God-given gift I’ve been blessed with. And it’s a lot of hard work, early mornings and lots of late nights, but it’s all worth it … I get my drive from the love I have for the sport.”

Sports Illustrated posted a brief on Johnson in their Faces in the Crowd section last September: “ Steele, a sophomore at Laurel Springs, won gold medals in four of five events at junior nationals in Knoxville, Tenn., to become a 10-time national champion and earn a spot on the U.S. team at this week’s Junior Pan-Americans. He won individual gold in the three-meter and platform events and paired with Dashiell Enos to win the synchronized three-meter and platform. A week later he was the youngest diver at nationals to advance to the men’s individual platform finals, finishing sixth.”

US Diving Buddies
Steele Johnson with fellow members of the US Diving Team.  Steele
is standing between diving partners Tobias Stanley (left) and Dashiell Enos.

He qualified for the Olympic Trials in 2010 by scoring in the top 12 at Junior World’s competition for the 10m platform. In 2011, his accomplishments at Summer Junior National’s qualified him for every diving event that is happening next week.

And that brings him to the Olympic Trials, which begin June 17. It’s a tough competition. Approximately 120 divers are competing for 14 spots on the US Olympic Diving Team.

Several sports writers are touting him as a favorite for the 2016 Olympic Games, and believe the Federal Way trials will be a good experience for the soon-to-be 16-year-old. Johnson will compete in the Men’s 10m Platform Individual and the Men’s 10m Syncro (with Tobias Stanley and Dashiell Enos). He thinks they all make a great team.

 


With Coach
Steele Johnson won a gold medal at the Pan American Games
in Columbia in 2011.
 

“It’s going to be a tough competition,” said Johnson. “If I go and do every dive the best I can, I will get a spot on the Olympic team. I will have a smile on my face, I will be focused and I will do the best I can.”

When he spoke those words, his demeanor turned into what I would call a gracious confidence, or a calm determination. It was like my experience a few days ago with one of my baseball players. I asked him to do his best, and get a base hit. His reply: “Coach, I’m going to hit a triple.” And he did. But as he spoke those words to me his eyes and whole demeanor exuded a pure and calm confidence.

Steele exuded that same confidence – no cockiness, overconfidence or any element of fear. I can only guess, but he must have been thinking: “I’m good at this, I will do it – it’s what I’ve been preparing to do. I’m ready.”

I used the term “gracious confidence” to describe his remarks because there was an element of humility and gratitude in his voice. He sounded grateful to have these gifts, and confident he could get the job done.

This teenager has a steely resolve.

The next article will focus on the specifics of his dives, the aura of the Olympics and Johnson’s budding second career in front of, and behind the camera.

 

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“Meet and Greet” With Portland Timbers Players Brent Richards on Tuesday

Former Camas High School Player – and current Portland Timbers Player – Brent Richards is appearing on June 12 from 4:30-5:30 pm at the Papa Murphy’s at 3415 SE 192nd Avenue (across from QFC). Bring your young player out to meet a real Timbers Player and product of local soccer here in Camas and Washougal!

Portland Timbers
Brent Richards
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