Written By Kevin Enners

Steve Barth’s journey as a triathlete and advocate for inclusion with The Kyle Pease Foundation is a testament to perseverance and community impact. Inspired by Julie Moss’s iconic 1982 IRONMAN World Championship, where she crawled across the finish line despite extreme exhaustion and dehydration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVKqFAPdjIA, Steve channeled that spirit into his triathlon career and serves with KPF as a board member and volunteer. Steve is a member of KPF’s Kona Team competing in the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship in October.  Barth and the foundation aim to raise one million dollars to grow KPF’s Inclusive Employment Program and continue helping athletes with disabilities achieve their goals.

Barth completed his first triathlon at age 14, which sparked a lifelong love for the sport. He has since participated in numerous Sprint and IRONMAN events, including the 2023 IRONMAN Chattanooga 70.3, marking his return to triathlons after a 12-year hiatus. Racing with KPF at the 2023 IRONMAN Chattanooga 70.3 reinforced his belief in the transformative power of sport and community.

Barth’s involvement with KPF began after witnessing Kyle and Brent’s 2018 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. He soon joined the board and became a passionate advocate for the foundation’s mission to empower athletes with disabilities in sports and beyond.

“The beauty of sport is that it forces us to pause our daily life and do something different … do something hard. Everyone should have that opportunity and KPF is giving so many that opportunity.”

Barth's professional background as a portfolio manager and financial analyst has shaped his approach to both life and athletics. His ability to manage risk, make informed decisions, and maintain consistency has played a significant role in his training and racing strategies. Barth views his triathlon training as another form of risk management, always focusing on how to maximize his potential while mitigating risks.

Despite his successes, Barth’s journey has not been without challenges. In preparation for 2024 IRONMAN World Championship, he faced a health setback which cost him nine days of training.  And, though his fitness may not be where he wants it to be, overcoming this obstacle only deepens his resolve to finish the race. His determination speaks to his belief that success lies not in perfection, but in showing up and giving it your all – a principle he teaches his children.

“I have a golfer, a baseball player, and an equestrian,” Steve says. “My kids all are very interested in athletics, but they have pursued their own passions that inspired them.  This is something I have told them since a young age…find something you are passionate about and do it to the best of your abilities.”

Whether it’s managing his career, training for triathlons or supporting KPF athletes, Barth’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how Passion, Process, Perseverance and Patience – the four “P’s” he strives to live by – can lead to success both in sports and life.  On October 26, 2024, Steve Barth will be racing with joy and passion in his heart.