Steve Morris owns a bike shop called Bikes and Beans , a local hang out and the sponsor of The Fundy Extreme Triathlon club (boasting 63 members). His philanthropic approach has helped many people start into the sport, and his energy, positive outlook and “never quit” attitude has defined what the sport represents. Many people can probably claim the same, but not many can talk of the journey that got him here. 
When he was 13 years old, he began to experience numbness in his limbs. Upon being rushed to a local hospital in his home province of Newfoundland, he was diagnosed with a rare condition call Guillian-Barre Syndrome which is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. Naturally, he ended up in hospital as the sickness ravaged his body. Steve was hooked to a respirator to help him breathe, completely paralyzed from the neck down, his life had taken an unexpected left turn. But that is not the end, only the beginning. His amazing recovery is where it all begins, and why I wrote this letter to nominate Steve as your Athlete of the Month.
He started recovery in hydro-therapy, where he regained some use of his upper body and learned to swim-sort of. He then began swim training for the par-Olympics. He trained with an able-bodied swim team and by the time he was fifteen the feeling in his legs began to return. In that summer he entered his first bike race and understandably did not finish, but it didn’t deter him.
Since then, Steve has racked up quite an impressive list of accomplishments. 2 years later he was third in that specific cycling race. By the time he was 18, he was the Provincial Swimming Champion (able-bodied). Steve then swam for the Varsity team at Memorial University. He started triathlon in 1988 in Newfoundland and practically dominated triathlon and cycling there until he moved to Nova Scotia in 1996. He was 15th at the 1998 Envirosports Escape from Alcatraz. He has raced for team Canada, competed at Ironman Canada twice, has broken every single sprint speed record in our province (sub 10 minute 800 M, avg bike speed of 37+ km/h, sub 20 minute 5 km run this past year) and won the Investors Group sprint triathlon in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2002. He broke the standing record by approx. 12 minutes, after a 4 year hiatus. He has permanent nerve damage in his left shoulder, left leg and right side of his face. This year, he is turning 40.
The most amazing part is that I have never, ever heard him complain about being in pain or discomfort (even at the races where his nervous system malfunctions from pushing too hard). He is always up for a chat about triathlon/cycling, and is the first to “bend over backwards” to help others in need, both at his store and when at races. He is the purest definition of heart and selflessness when it comes to local support. His determination and sheer enjoyment of the sport has been infectious, and many including myself have been influenced by it. He has even delivered my bikes to me and hand fitted me at home, free of charge when I cannot make it to his store. He even gave me cables for my bike off of his own son’s bicycle. His support for our club has been instrumental in its growth (from 8 paid members 2 years ago to 63 to date) and is a testament to his impact on our local community, his positive energy and “never say die” attitude. There is no one that I can think of that deserves this honor more.
I challenge anyone to convince me that he is not an Ironman. He is definitely worthy of being a T-Dot, Athlete of the Month, and is a great friend.
Thank you,
Mark McGraw
President,
Fundy Extreme Triathlon Club Sundog Eyewear™ Recognizes T-Dot Athlete of the Month:
Sundog Eyewear™ recognizes and supports the efforts of athletes like Steve who are constantly striving to support the growth of their sport. Because Steve was selected as our Athlete of the Month, he will receive a pair of Sundog sunglasses and custom T-Dot logoed case, compliments of Sundog Eyewear™. Sundog Eyewear provides genuine performance sunglasses worn by top athletes like world champion Melanie McQuaid. Sundog Eyewear is the official sunglasses of the Accenture Chicago Triathlon, official eyewear of Ironman UK and Ironman 70.3 for 2007, the recommended eyewear of the British Triathlon.
Recognize a T-Dot Athlete:
Each month we will feature an athlete who exemplifies the sport of triathlon - not just people who are fast, but people who are actively helping to grow the sport either through their actions, charity or other accomplishments.
If you know someone who you would like to nominate, let us know!
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