Help Support My Return to International Competition

Hi everyone, I’m Steele Johnson, and after stepping away from competitive diving after what I believed to be a career-ending injury, I recently made the decision to come out of retirement as my health dramatically improved after my 6th foot surgery. It has only been about two months since I have returned to training, but in that short time I have rediscovered the passion, drive, and purpose that diving has always given me.

What I did not expect was this: after such a short time back, I have already been invited to compete internationally next year! These opportunities mean more than I can put into words. They represent a second chance to rebuild myself as an athlete and regain the international experience I need to be competitive on the world stage again. I am incredibly proud to be taking on this challenge while representing the Mission Viejo Nadadores.

There is one big hurdle. Every single one of these competitions is completely self-funded. That includes flights, hotel stays, entry fees, and all of the travel expenses add up quickly. I am grateful for the opportunities ahead of me, but without support, it will be extremely difficult to make this comeback possible.

Right now, I am rebuilding from the ground up. I am working to regain strength, consistency, confidence, and international experience. These meets are not just competitions – they are essential steps in sharpening my skills, testing myself under pressure, and learning how to compete at the highest level again. Progress in this sport does not happen overnight, but every opportunity to dive is a building block that will help me move closer to where I want to be.

I know the road back will be challenging, but I am fully committed to this journey ahead! I am extremely grateful for my health and my ability to dive again, and I know that with the right opportunities, I could climb my way back to competing with the best in the world.

Your generosity will help cover:

Every contribution directly impacts my ability to show up and give everything I have!

I will be documenting this entire process from training to travel to competition. My goal is to share the highs, the struggles, the lessons, and the real behind-the-scenes moments of rebuilding an athletic career. If you choose to support this journey, you will be part of every step.

This is the current list of locations that I have the opportunity to compete at in 2026:

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for supporting me during this new chapter in my diving career. This next chapter means a lot to me, and knowing that people believe in what I’m trying to do gives me even more motivation to push forward.

I am ready to work, ready to learn, and ready to fight for every opportunity ahead. Every single day is a gift. With your help, I can make these competitions possible and continue my journey back to the world stage.

Thank you for being part of this incredible challenge and for believing in what is possible.

Steele Johnson