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Kyle Stepp

@kylestepp

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Elite Para TriathleteđŸ‡ș🇾 @usatriathlon | @soeverybodycanmove National Lead
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This time of year and being a part of the @allhumansoutside project has me reflecting a lot. I look back on the past 28 years and sometimes wonder why
 Why did I have to grow up in a broken home? Why was I abandoned as a kid? Why did I have to live in boys’ homes? Why did I have to battle cancer? Why do I have to live with limb loss? Why did I make it out of the “system” and not others? Why did I survive cancer and not my friends? I don’t think things “happen for a reason,” but our life experiences shape our worldview. With these unique life experiences, we have a choice of how we want to show up, live and use our time on earth. Because of my life experiences: I love deeper and unconditionally. I seek to create and cultivate community. I live to experience all that life has to offer. I strive to break down barriers for others. I commit to using my life for good through service to others. I am dedicated to giving back to those that shaped me to be the man I am today. I have been blessed to survive and thrive after loss, pain, and hardships. I view my grit and survival as a privilege. With privilege comes a responsibility to support others in their battle so we all can thrive together. We all have stories, and everyone’s voices are needed to make this world a better place. I am stoked for 2023 and excited to invite anyone that wants to help make a change and experience some epic adventures to join along! #cycling #paratriathlon #amputee #giantbikes #sweatlife #triathlon #triathlontraining #paratriathlon #teamusa #runnersofinstagram #thesweatlife #representationmatters #limbdifferenceawareness #limbdifference #amputeestrong #amputee #lgbtq #paratriathlon #outsports #lgbtqathletes #cyclist #cancersurvivor #osteosarcoma #2022reflection by @kylestepp
This year I had the opportunity to partner with @bewell_official New Mexico’s Health Insurance Marketplace on a series of media campaigns. Health insurance can feel overwhelming and out of reach, but it shouldn’t be. Advocating for better healthcare access isn’t just something to talk about—it’s every part of my life. From childhood cancer treatments in HS to navigating limb loss after my mountain biking accident in my 20s, I’ve lived the realities of a system that too often leaves people behind. It’s these experiences that drive me to push for change. I know how complex our healthcare system is—it’s far from perfect, and there’s no single solution. But progress comes from focusing on all the interconnected pieces. That means raising awareness about the importance of insurance coverage, advocating for policy reforms that make care more accessible, and supporting increased funding for research and services that improve lives. Each piece matters, and together, they create the possibility of meaningful change. That’s why partnering with BeWell New Mexico Health Insurance Marketplace has meant a lot. I’m incredibly proud to work with an organization that is working hard to meet communities where they are, addressing gaps in access to affordable health insurance. BeWell is doing its part to improve the health of all New Mexicans by making coverage more accessible and ensuring that everyone has a chance to thrive. Open enrollment is open until January 15th and encourage those who still need coverage for the new year to check out BeWellNM.com #Triathlete #Healthcare #Amputee #DisabilityRights #NewMexicoTrue #AdaptiveSports #ParaSports #TeamUSA #Paratriathlon #Running #Cycling by @kylestepp
“My life changed.” Today, Kyle took on his first marathon, something that seemed impossible 6 years ago, when his leg was amputated above the knee and he was told a sports prosthetic was medically unnecessary. His hope for others: that they chase their starting line whatever that is. by @kylestepp
HOLY SHIT. I’M RUNNING THE NYC MARATHON TOMORROW!!! My first marathon. 26.2 miles through the streets of NYC. And considering I’ve had approximately one month to figure out how to run a marathon after racing at Worlds for Paratriathlon, we’re going for VIBE TOWN on this one. đŸ˜‚âœŒïž But what makes this experience so special is getting to share it with three people who have played such meaningful roles in my journey. @leenbug has been there since the very beginning. The day after my accident and amputation , she introduced me to @dantun24 with @dare2tri_ , opening a door to para sport that changed my life. From my first runs around a track to racing at the elite level, she’s been there every step of the way. And tomorrow she will support me through all 26.2 miles! I met @theonearmdan one year after losing my leg at CAF’s triathlon weekend, where I completed my first triathlon. Since then, she’s become such a dear friend, and I’ve been endlessly inspired by how she’s elevating para sport and changing narratives through her company, Culxtured. And in December 2021, after a year of constant insurance denials, I met @runforreststump . I was carrying so much pain and frustration, and her work with Forrest Stump inspired me to channel those experiences into something bigger. I feel so incredibly lucky that being inspired by her work has turned into a beautiful friendship and the privilege of building @soeverybodycanmove alongside her, @annika.berlin, and our entire community. đŸ„č And now, somehow, we get to share the starting line of the NYC Marathon. This past month, since racing at Worlds, I’ve been reconnecting with my love of movement. Not chasing a podium, a time, or a result. Just running for the pure joy of it and remembering what an extraordinary gift movement really is. I’m just $2,300 away from my $5,000 fundraising goal for #SoEveryBODYCanMove! If you’d like to dedicate a few dollars to helping us create more starting lines for people with disabilities, it would mean the world to me. Link in bio :) by @kylestepp
C u Sunday 👀 #amputee 😏 #NYCMarathon by @kylestepp
NYC MARATHON WEEK IS HERE! đŸ—œđŸ™ïžđŸ… This weekend, Nicole Ver Kuilen and Kyle Stepp are taking on the @nycmarathon with a mission bigger than 26.2 miles: expanding access to the prosthetic and orthotic care people need to move. As leaders of @soeverybodycanmove, Nicole and Kyle are fighting to change an outdated insurance system that too often labels activity-specific prosthetic and orthotic care “not medically necessary”, denying people with disabilities access to the care they need to run, play, work out, and participate in physical activity. That’s why the NYC Marathon matters. It’s a platform to show what’s possible when people have access to the right care and to ask why that access still depends on where you live and what your insurance will cover. With the @nycmarathon and @nyrr providing a global stage, Nicole and Kyle are helping bring this issue to the forefront as So Every BODY Can Move works toward its 28x28 goal: passing legislation in 28 states by the LA28 Paralympic Games. Because movement shouldn’t be a luxury. And access to the care that makes it possible shouldn’t be a privilege. Follow along with us this weekend, cheer on Nicole and Kyle, and help us move this movement forward. đŸƒâ€â™€ïžđŸƒâ€â™‚ïž 🔗 Support the movement and learn more at the link in my bio. #NYCMarathon #SoEveryBODYCanMove #TeamInspire #DisabilityRights #ProstheticCare by @kylestepp
The longer I do this sport, the more humbling it becomes. I went into World Championships last Friday after some of the best training I’ve ever had. I was stronger, fitter, hitting massive PRs and genuinely believed I was ready for one of my best races. Then, right before Worlds, I crashed my bike while on a training ride after being cut off by a driver who wasn’t paying attention. Thanks to @eshane_dc, who worked with me through treatment to get my body as ready as possible, and my friends at @brickz.wellness @arnold__villegas @keira_harte who helped me through those final weeks, I made it to the start line feeling strong and hopeful. And then the race just didn’t come together. The swim wasn’t where it needed to be. The bike was rough. And somehow, after all of that, I had one of my best runs off the bike. The more I do this sport, the more I realize you can work harder than you ever have, become better than you’ve ever been, and still not get the result you thought that work would produce. I’d be lying if I said there aren’t two voices in my head. One says: Keep going. Keep building. Find out how good you can become. The other asks: How long do you keep doing this when the results don’t always reflect everything you’re putting into it? I don’t have an answer yet. I know I’m a better athlete than I was a year ago. One race doesn’t erase that. I’m disappointed. I’m hungry. And for now, I’m still choosing to show up. Because there’s still a part of me that needs to find out how far I can go. Cheers to “off season” and learning to run a marathon in a month 😂 see ya soon, @nycmarathon đŸ“· @_el_finn by @kylestepp
“I kept receiving denial after denial after denial. It said the artificial leg that you’ve requested exceeds your basic & minimum needs. Thus, cannot be covered & physical activity is not medically necessary” @kylestepp shares in our newest film, “Not Medically Necessary”, produced by @vignettecreative Film coming soon
. đŸŽ„ by @kylestepp
Why do I love the process so much? It’s the people and mems that make it all worth it đŸ«¶đŸŒ Next up: World Triathlon Para Championships ✈ đŸ‡Ș🇾 Training tip of the year: Surround yourself with people that make you better and don’t be afraid to ask for help :) #triathlon #paratriathlon #amputee by @kylestepp
A pretty special weekend honoring a sport that has given me so much over the last four years. Paratriathlon started for me because of @dare2tri thanks to @hailstormusa @dantun24 @leenbug @coachshawna @keri.serota @mstockwell01 So to come back to Nats, race the mixed relay on Saturday with the Dare2Tri founder crew and then race đŸ„‡ Sunday morning for Para Triathlon Nationals felt pretty full circle. I joke all the time that this sport is so stupid 😂 But maybe that’s also what makes it so special. Triathlon forces you to honor the process and truly fall in love with the journey if you’re going to do it for the long haul. This weekend was a little reminder of that. Racing hard. Being around people I love. Having lifelong friends show up to support me. And remembering how lucky I am to have found a sport and a community that have become such a big part of my life. There are plenty of races to chase international rankings, and bigger goals. This weekend was about making space for the races that simply remind you why you love doing this in the first place. Four years later, I still really love this sport. Next up: World Championships at the end of September and then my first marathon in November at the NYC Marathon with the @soeverybodycanmove fam. đŸ—œ A lot to look forward to. But really grateful for this one. So thank for the team that helps me chase these goals @clickmedical @hi5sfoundation @adaptivetrainingfoundation @documentsolutionsinc @dare2tri_ @fillauer @somosunidosfdn @shane_chiro_sportsmed #Triathlon #Paratriathlon #LGBTQ #Amputee by @kylestepp
lil post race reflection đŸ‘‰đŸ» 📝 oh, triathlon
 what a journey it’s been. & what a weekend it was in Chile đŸ„‡ Really thankful for teammates, coach mark and support from @dare2tri_, @adaptivetrainingfoundation, @eshane_dc, @somosunidosfdn, @hi5sfoundation, @clickmedical, @fillauer, @documentsolutionsinc, @bewell_official for being on the wild ride with me :) #Paratriathlon #LA28Paralympics #Amputee #Triathlon #LA28 by @kylestepp
Happy National #NewMexico Day :) Grateful for the land that grounds us, the people who make this place feel like home, and the culture that makes New Mexico unlike anywhere else. anyways
 New Mexico sucks fr. ;) by @kylestepp

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