Steve Mesler facts for kids
Mesler in 2014
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Steven Michael Mesler | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | August 28, 1978 Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
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| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spouse(s) | Rhiannon MacDonnell Mesler (2016-present) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Bobsleigh | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Event(s) | Four-man | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coached by | Stuart McMillan, Brian Shimer | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Achievements and titles | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Olympic finals | 2002, 2006, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Highest world ranking | World Champion, Olympic Champion | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Steven Michael Mesler (born August 28, 1978) is an amazing athlete and leader. He won a gold medal at the Olympics and helps people learn how to be their best. He is also known for starting a special program called Classroom Champions. This program connects famous athletes with students to help them learn and grow.
Mesler is famous for winning gold in the four-man bobsled race at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. This was a huge win for the United States, as it was the first time they won gold in this event since 1948! Because of his achievements, he was chosen for the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. The Canadian Government also honored him with a special award called the Meritorious Service Medal.
Today, Steve Mesler runs a company called Mesler Performance Group. He coaches important leaders, top athletes, and different organizations around the world. He also used to be on the Board of Directors for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee from 2015 to 2022.
Contents
Early Life and Sports Journey
Growing Up in Buffalo
Steve Mesler was born and grew up in Buffalo, New York. When he was young, he was a track athlete. He was especially good at the decathlon, which is a competition with ten different track and field events. He went to City Honors School in Buffalo and finished in 1996.
College Sports and Studies
After high school, Mesler went to the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. He continued to compete as a decathlete for the Florida Gators track and field team from 1997 to 2000. In 2000, he earned a degree with honors in exercise and sports science. Later, in 2015, he was honored by his college and added to the University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance Alumni Hall of Fame.
Becoming an Olympic Bobsledder
In 2001, Steve switched to bobsledding and quickly became very good. He represented the United States in three Olympic Games: 2002, 2006, and 2010. His biggest moment was winning the gold medal at the 2010 Vancouver Games. He was part of the four-man team with Steven Holcomb, Justin Olsen, and Curt Tomasevicz. This was a historic win, as it was the first gold medal for the U.S. in this event in 62 years!
His team also finished seventh in the four-man event at the 2006 Turin Games. Steve also won two medals at the FIBT World Championships. He earned a gold medal in 2009, which was the first time the U.S. won gold in 50 years. He also won a bronze medal in 2004.
Steve Mesler is known as the most successful American bobsled push athlete ever. He won 39 World Cup medals during his nine-year career.
Hall of Fame Honors
Because of his amazing achievements in sports, Steve Mesler has been inducted into several important halls of fame:
- U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame (Class of 2025)
- University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance Alumni Hall of Fame (Class of 2015)
- Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame (Class of 2011)
- National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (Class of 2011)
Leadership and Helping Others
Supporting Athletes and Mental Health
After he stopped competing, Steve Mesler focused on leadership and helping others. He was on the Board of Directors for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) from 2015 to 2022. In this role, he worked hard to support athletes, especially their mental health. He also helped make Olympic organizations more open and fair. During this time, Steve often spoke about mental health and making positive changes. He shared his ideas at events like TEDx and SXSW EDU, and in newspapers like The Washington Post.
He continues to write and speak in public, sharing his thoughts on how to perform at your best, be strong when things are tough, and take care of your mental health.
Coaching for Success
Steve Mesler started Mesler Performance Group. Here, he coaches top leaders and teams from big companies, as well as professional athletes. He uses ideas from how the brain works, sports psychology, and leadership skills he learned from his own experiences in sports and business. His goal is to help people achieve their big goals.
Inspiring Speaker
Steve Mesler is a popular keynote speaker. He shares exciting stories and lessons from his Olympic journey, his leadership experience, and his work in mental health.
He has spoken at many important events around the world. He talked about the Olympic spirit in Olympia, Greece. He discussed how to get people involved in Tel Aviv, Israel. He also joined panels in Sochi, Russia and Dubai, UAE to talk about how organizations can use sports education to create peace globally. In March 2014, he spoke at the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai. Other famous speakers there included Tony Blair and Bill Clinton.
He has inspired many different groups of people at events like:
- Social Innovation Summits
- University of Florida Graduation Ceremonies
- Global Education and Skills Forum
- Peace and Sport Conference
- TEDx and TEDEd
- SXSW EDU
Classroom Champions: Connecting Athletes and Students
In 2009, Steve Mesler and his sister, Dr. Leigh Mesler Parise, started Classroom Champions. This amazing non-profit organization connects world-class athletes with students. The goal is to help students learn important skills like being strong, being a leader, and understanding their feelings. Under Steve's leadership, Classroom Champions grew a lot and has helped millions of students and teachers across North America. This special program even won the Olympism in Action Award from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
For his work with Classroom Champions, Steve was named one of Sports Illustrated's "Athletes Who Care". He was also nominated for the International Champion for Peace Award by Peace and Sport in 2011. Steve has spoken around the world about how technology and mentorship can help educate students. In 2013, Classroom Champions was the only non-European group to receive a Fair Play Diploma from the International Fair Play Committee. Teachers involved with Classroom Champions have also been recognized by local groups, the United States Olympic Committee, and even the White House.
Classroom Champions has been featured in many well-known publications, including:
- Forbes
- Sports Illustrated
- Sports Illustrated for Kids
- ABC News
- Washington Post
- The Sporting News
- USA Today
- Yahoo Sports
In November 2014, Steve Mesler received the Athletes in Excellence Award from The Foundation for Global Sports Development. This award recognized his community service and his work with young people.
Steve stepped down as the CEO of Classroom Champions in Spring 2024. He is now the Chairman of the Board of Directors and continues to advise the organization. He still works to support great education and leadership development.
Writing and Sharing Ideas
Steve Mesler is also known for his thoughtful writing. He writes important articles about how to perform well, be a good leader, and make big changes. These articles appear in major news outlets.
His popular newsletter is read by thousands of Olympians, business leaders, teachers, and innovators. In it, he shares helpful tips and inspiring stories about leadership, growing as a person, and achieving goals.
Some examples of his impactful writing include:
- "3 Lessons for Every Business from an Olympian" (Entrepreneur)
- "The Olympics Face an Existential Crisis. An American-led Effort Could Save Them" (The Guardian)
- "Congrats on That Olympic Gold Medal. Now What?" (Washington Post)
Steve is currently writing his first big book. The working title is Decoding Life’s Algorithm. This book will share his many experiences and offer a clear way to help readers achieve their goals. It will include scientific methods, practical advice, and powerful stories.
Television Appearances
Steve Mesler is also a TV host and commentator. He has provided commentary for NBCUniversal for the Bobsled World Championships in 2009, 2011, and 2012. He also commented on many World Cup races around the globe. Steve has co-hosted Calgary's Breakfast Television morning show several times. He has also appeared on American TV shows like the Late Show with David Letterman, the Today Show, and The Colbert Report.
Helping Communities
Steve Mesler has always given his time to help different charities. He has worked with organizations like Ronald McDonald House, Make a Wish Foundation, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Peace and Sport, and Right To Play. He helps raise awareness, make a positive impact, and raise money for these groups in his hometown of Buffalo, NY, and where he lives in Calgary, AB.
In November 2014, he received the Athletes in Excellence Award from The Foundation for Global Sports Development. This award recognized his efforts to serve his community and work with young people.
Personal Life
Steve Mesler lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with his wife, daughter, and son. He is very involved in his community, supporting sports, education, and mental health causes. His personal story and ideas continue to inspire leaders, teachers, athletes, and communities all over the world.
See also
In Spanish: Steve Mesler para niños
- Florida Gators
- List of Olympic medalists in bobsleigh
- List of University of Florida alumni
- List of University of Florida Olympians
- List of Jewish Olympic medalists
