Unbeknownst to Kevin, his friend and training buddy wrote into Purple Patch to let us know what an amazing human and athlete Kevin is. We love hearing how the athletic community is showing up to encourage and celebrate one another, especially during this time. Check out their wonderful message below:

"I'm writing today about one of your Squaddies: Kevin Steele. Kevin doesn't know I'm writing.
I think you should keep an eye on this guy!
Kevin is a neighbour of mine who I first met at a local tri swim class and saw occasionally at my trip club. This year, Kevin is a volunteer tri coach at my club and I've gotten to know him better.
Despite his relatively young age, Kevin is wise and mature, beyond his years. He epitomizes the Purple Patch pillars, and most of all has a supporting, encouraging, and positive attitude.
Kevin is everyone's biggest cheerleader while quietly pursuing his own goals with consistency and care. Despite having a very busy young family, Kevin is as solid and steady as they come. He steadfastly carries out his training, perfectly balancing life: never overdoing it, but so consistent.
Last year Kevin did his first Ironman. During a warm-up on-course ride, he had a nasty crash. His bike was inoperable and he was injured just a couple days out. He didn't panic. He found a local bike shop, phoned in to a physio, and crushed the race like the superstar that he is. Just handled it so calmly and with focus.
This year, Kevin took on a volunteer coach role for the Saturday tri class that I enrolled in. Our class was half brand new triathletes. Kevin is so engaging and everyone's biggest fan. He offered support to the new kids and led us into the pandemic with positivity and fun. He made sure to protect our community by ensuring our online classes kept the same intimate and fun vibe that he'd carefully curated in person.
Attached are pictures of the kinds of feelings our class have for Kevin, and the mug and message we sent out to him.
Please keep an eye out for this guy: he is a serious player and has all of the markers of a top athlete."