A toast to Ben Kanute!

Ben, you did not earn your spot on the Olympic Team last night. Yes, you received your spot last night, but you made the team with all your years of hard work and amazing team of people around you.

It’s impossible to say when it started exactly, perhaps with the Geneva River Rats even!

Keith Dickson pouring his heart and resources into the youth development here in our area was awesome.

Bill Schalz played a huge role laying the ground work of your amazing swim which remains a weapon to this day.

Our group rides and people like Rob Kelley helping us get you around the group ride course. I can still remember being able to drop you, not anymore!

Eric Ott and other local business supporting you and still standing behind you through thick and thin.

Brian Grasky and the Tri Cats at U of A helping yo through a crazy college schedule. The friendships of people like Stephen Pedone Pedone from places like this continue to be amazing!

Getting Trek bikes to believe in us and our vision for you and what we can accomplish has been nothing short of unbelievable and second to none.

TJ Tollakson taking you under his wing when you first moved to Arizona – Such a class act.

I know you have an amazing support staff in Tucson. 

Jim Vance who is willing to always lend advice and info. Jumping at any chance to do whatever is needed.

Ryan Bolton stepping up to the plate to help us get over the hump with your running and confidence in it, and his willingness to help ongoing and giving you chance to run with great runners – unbelievable.

Bobby McGee and USA Triathlon has always been there to help with run form, technique, advice, support.

People even like Joe Lotus who lends advice and encouragement and perspective, is something I know I am personally thankful for. Your parents Mike and Eileen Rassin Kanute and family.

I watch with continued amazement at the support structure and values that you are brought up in. Words cannot describe the level of devotion and enthusiasm, and TRUE UNCONDITIONAL love and support I have seen them give you over the years.

Ben, you took all of these things not just last night, but over the last 10 years or so I have gotten to personally witness and have always given honor to them by who you are as an athlete, but more importantly who you are as a person.

So you got your spot last night, CONGRATULATIONS! But I have seen you earn it for years. We all have. Enjoy this!!!

We are all behind you Ben!