My Story (The Accident)

On this day 7 years ago I had an accident that almost killed me. It's time for me to tell you guys the story.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vlog: 974
Filmed: (1.20.16)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Music: Instrumental produced by Chuki. - Link to Chuki's channel below.

[Steele_Johnson]

I just want to say thank you all for the love and support you all keep showing me. I truly appreciate all the kind words and I've enjoyed reading your stories in the comments. You all mean the world to me and I'm grateful for the love you've shown. God bless :)

[kaitlynlightfoot]

Thanks so much for sharing your story. You've inspired me to share mine for the first time. When I was 13, I lost someone very close and special to me, the person I was the closest to and loved more than anyone else in my life. Due to this, I struggled with depression and binge eating disorder and I simply didn't want to leave my house. I basically went to school and came home and cried for the rest of the day. I quit the sport I had loved since I was a young child. People offered me help, but I wouldn't take it. It wasn't until I was 14 that I finally started accepting it.
Once I started receiving help, I slowly saw my confidence and general happiness sky rocket. I got back into my sport at 14 and haven't stopped since. It will soon be 5 years since this person has passed away, and there still are hard days but I know that they won't last. I have learned that life really is a gift you have to enjoy it and live it to the fullest because you never know when something might happen.

[JeffersonBethkepage]

Incredible story man! What a testimony of God's grace and your hope in Him! PS nice job getting that silver medal today :D blessings!

[abigailflowers]

You just put all the words I've been thinking into a video. My "accident" was tearing my ACL. The moment replays in slow motion in my head almost non stop. I hide my scar, and even though my story isn't as dramatic as yours, I still want to hide it. Thank you for sharing your experience and encouraging me to continue fighting this battle. Thank you for being a Christian example to not only those around you, but to everyone who has watched the olympics (which is honestly practically everybody.). God is doing some amazing things in your life and I'm so thankful that I came across this video.

[hannaw.]

You have no idea how much this video means to me. I had brain surgery when I was 12 to fix an issue where my brain was into my spine. Thank goodness the procedure was successful and I am not paralyzed from it, but I am left with a scar that travels up the center of my head and neck. I am not a huge fan of my scar, but I love the story that comes after it. Being able to overcome the obstacles that once held me back and that controlled my life. I would not be the person that I am today if it wasn't for my scars and if it wasn't for the strength that God provided me to overcome the obstacles.

Thank You SO much for opening up and sharing your story with us, it can change people's outlook on their own stories and their scars.

[swimmjim]

A few days after I 'discovered' you from the "Mountain of Speedos' vlog, I looked on-line to learn more about you and found a bio of your life - which mentioned your accident and even showed the horrific injury. I remember gasping in shock at the image, and wondering how on earth did this kid ever get back onto a diving board again? Watching you since then has given me the answer - your faith, your family, the joy you find in daily life. I'm glad you finally talked about the accident with us, and shared your feelings as well. And now, the past is past - onward into the Year of Steele - 2016!!!

[cvjpkeg]

Last year, my best friend got into a car accident with her dad. They in the middle of a three car pile up, on the busiest highway in my area, and for seven months, she had to wear a back and neck brace. I was with her through the entire thing, but not only were her neck and back affected, but she also has a scar running from one ear to the other, on the front of her face. She can't cover it with her hair, and she just has to let everyone see it. It's not a very clean looking scar either...There are staple scars from wear they stapled her skin back together, and its very jagged. When I sent her this video, she came to me near tears, telling me how much your bravery for telling your story helped her. Thank you.

[niverse]

Congrats on your silver medal today in Rio !! You're such an inspiration :))

[isabellarrabee]

Congrats on ur Olympic silver medal you are such an inspiration

[dennisjanssen]

It's a miracle you survived the accident.People's stories are different, obviously, but have common themes.Thank you for being a help and inspiration.

[corbinfleener]

Being from Indiana only hour and a half south of Purdue seeing you win a silver medal and you talking about your faith on national television is amazing. Hearing this story just shows how much God does in people's life and he really showed you what he wanted you to do, and that was to go on National television and talk about him and share him with other people. God bless you and I can't wait to see what God has in store for you!!

[warhawkfan]

your scar is now your testimony! you are incredible! you are such a blessing! without seeing your scar i can tell you that it is gorgeous. all scars are gorgeous because they tell a story!

[socaligirl]

I'm so glad that I found you - not only as a fan of Team USA and the Olympics, but also because you're telling such interesting stories online. Thanks, Steele for this story and all your videos!

[thetruthabouttiffany]

I'm really late on this, and you may not even see this with all of the crazy going on now that you're going to the Olympics (congratulations!), but this is amazing. This is just truly amazing. Your courage and strength is also admirable. Go win a gold Steele! God has given you a light to shine ❤️

[SarahShuford]

thanks for sharing that story. you have someone watching over you every single day and I'm glad that you still dive. most people would be too afraid, but you have courage and I applaud you for that!

[LizInTheB]

Congrats, congrats, congrats!!! SO happy for you both!

[emilyliu]

I remember when you were in the shaytards vlog either at playlist live or vidcon. Now you're Olympic silver medalist. Congratulations Steele!

[YounggunsSW]

Love ya Brother! So glad you didn't give up your Awesome! God Bless You my thoughts and Prayers are always with you.

[FranklinsFish]

I Didnt know about the accident before but i think you're an Inspiration to a Lot of people who have accidents or just to everyone who stuggles in life(and to be honest, everyone does)because you tell us to never give Up and to always get back Up again.Thank you for sharing your life with us!

[kz-yisz]

OMG WHAT AN INSPIRATION ! As a runner, injuries are pretty much bound to happen, and I got injured my freshman year of high school (last year) which is literally the worst time for a student athlete. I ran through time trials with a heel cyst that I didnt know of at the time, and for over 6 months I kept trying to get back on the track (literally haha) without success before I found out that I needed surgery. One of my worst fears was (and still is!!) that I'll never be able to come back from this injury, and that I'll be stuck watching on the sidelines forever. Watching this really made me feel better!