Lesa Mayes-Stringer facts for kids
Lesa Mayes-Stringer, born on May 13, 1968, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, is a Canadian athlete who competed in bobsled from 1999 to 2007. She is known for her pioneering role as the first Black woman to pilot a bobsled for Canada and compete on the World Cup circuit.
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Athletic Achievements
Lesa Mayes-Stringer had an impressive athletic career, first in track and field, and later in bobsled.
Track and Field Success
Before bobsled, Lesa was a talented track and field athlete.
- She won a silver medal at the Canadian Junior Championships in the Heptathlon.
- She also earned a silver medal at the Canadian Senior Track and Field Championships in the Heptathlon.
While attending York University, Lesa was a key member of the track team.
- She won a gold medal in the 60-meter hurdles at the CIAU National Championships.
- She also earned gold medals in the 4X400m and 4X100m relays.
- She won a bronze medal in shot put.
Later, at Simon Fraser University, she continued her success.
- She won a gold medal in shot put.
- She also won a gold medal in the 4X100m relay.
Bobsledding Highlights
Lesa then transitioned to bobsled, where she made history.
- She was the Canadian Champion in Women's 2-man Bobsleigh in 2003 and 2005 as a pilot.
- She became the first Black woman to pilot a bobsled for Canada and win a gold medal.
- She was also the first Black woman from North America to compete as a pilot on the World Cup circuit.
Helping Other Athletes
Beyond her own competitions, Lesa dedicated time to support other young people and athletes.
- She volunteered as a speaker with the YES Program (Youth Education for Sport). Through this program, she spoke to thousands of children across Canada.
- From 2000 to 2007, she represented 350 Canadian high-performance athletes. She served on the executive board for the Canadian Sport Institute in Calgary, Alberta.
- She worked to protect athletes' rights. She even met with the Minister of Health to help ensure all National Team athletes received mandatory health coverage.
In 2007, Lesa and her family moved to France. There, she was asked to help rebuild the National Bobsleigh program for Team France. She worked with assistance from the head coach of Monaco's national team.
Education and Teaching
Lesa Mayes-Stringer has a strong background in education.
University Studies
- She earned a degree in history from York University through an academic scholarship.
- She completed the PDP program at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. This program helped her receive her teaching certification.
High School Teaching
Lesa worked as a high school teacher in Calgary, Alberta.
- She started the PLP program for High School social studies for the Calgary Board of Education.
- This program used different teaching methods to meet each student's needs. It started with about 24 students and grew to include thousands.
English Training in France
While living in France, Lesa Mayes-Stringer started her own English training school called Lovin'English.
Current Work
Lesa now lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She works alongside her husband in full-time Christian ministry. She is the Women's Ministry Leader for the Capital City Church of Christ. She is also involved in helping to bring about positive changes in bobsleigh for Canada.
Family and Heritage
Lesa Mayes-Stringer has a rich family history and a family that continues her athletic legacy.
Shiloh People Heritage
Lesa is a direct descendant of a group known as the "Shiloh People."
- This group fled racial persecution in Oklahoma in 1910.
- They traveled north to Saskatchewan, Canada, after learning about free land there.
- They were named after the "Shiloh Baptist Church," a small log cabin church they built after arriving.
Family Life
Lesa Mayes-Stringer married Christopher Stringer in Richmond, British Columbia, in 1994. They have three adult children: Meigan, Madison, and Adam.
Lesa is the younger sister of former professional football player Rueben Mayes.
Her daughter, Madison, continues the family's athletic tradition. Madison competes with the French National Women's Bobsleigh Team. In 2021, Madison won the Under 23 Junior World Championships with her pilot, Margot Boch.
