View source for Steve Mesler

{{Short description|American bobsledder (born 1978)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox sportsperson
| name = Steve Mesler
| honorific_suffix = MSM
| image = Steve Headshot 008.jpg
| image_size = 220
| caption = Mesler in 2014
| birth_name = 
| fullname = Steven Michael Mesler
| nickname = 
| national_team = {{USA}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1978|8|28|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Buffalo, New York]], U.S.
| death_date = 
| death_place = 
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=2}}
| weight = 
| spouse = Rhiannon MacDonnell Mesler (2016-present)
| website = {{URL | www.stevemesler.org | SteveMesler.org }}
| country = 
| sport = [[Bobsleigh]]
| event = Four-man
| collegeteam = 
| club = 
| team = 
| turnedpro = 
| coach = Stuart McMillan, [[Brian Shimer]]
| retired = 
| coaching = 
| worlds = 
| regionals = 
| nationals = 
| olympics = 2002, 2006, 2010
| highestranking = World Champion, Olympic Champion
| pb = 
| headercolor = lightsteelblue
| show-medals = yes
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport | Men's bobsleigh }}
{{MedalCountry | the United States }}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Olympic Games]] }}
{{MedalGold | [[2010 Winter Olympics|2010 Vancouver]] | [[Bobsleigh at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Four-man|Four-man]] }}
{{MedalCompetition | [[FIBT World Championships|World Championships]] }}
{{MedalGold | [[FIBT World Championships 2009|2009 Lake Placid]] | Four-man }}
{{MedalBronze | [[FIBT World Championships 2004|2004 Königssee]] | Four-man }}
}}

'''Steven Michael Mesler''' (born August 28, 1978) is an Olympic gold medalist, executive leadership expert, renowned keynote speaker, author, social entrepreneur, and influential advocate for mental health and performance optimization. 

Mesler is best known for winning gold in the four-man bobsled event at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, a performance earning him election into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-06 |title=USOPC announces U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, Class of 2025 |url=https://www.usopc.org/news/2025/may/06/u-s-olympic-paralympic-committee-announces-u-s-olympic-paralympic-hall-of-fame-class-of-2025 |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=www.usopc.org |language=en}}</ref> and co-founding the innovative and international award-winning<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/2013/11/11/classroom-champions-win-unesco-award |title=Classroom Champs win award {{!}} Fort McMurray Today |website=www.fortmcmurraytoday.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714220429/http://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/2013/11/11/classroom-champions-win-unesco-award |archive-date=2014-07-14}}</ref> education and leadership nonprofit, [http://www.classroomchampions.org/ Classroom Champions]. He has been recognized by the Canadian Government for his service through the second-highest honor, the Meritorious Service Medal.

Currently, he leads Mesler Performance Group, coaching executives, elite athletes, and organizations worldwide. 

Mesler previously served on the [https://web.archive.org/web/20130902014306/http://www.teamusa.org/About-the-USOC/Inside-the-USOC/Leadership/Board-of-Directors Board of Directors for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee] from 2015-2022.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130902014306/http://www.teamusa.org/About-the-USOC/Inside-the-USOC/Leadership/Board-of-Directors Board of directors] Team USA</ref>

==Early life and sport career==
Mesler was born and raised in [[Buffalo, New York]], where he began his athletic journey as a track athlete specializing in decathlon. He attended [[City Honors School]] in Buffalo, graduating in 1996. 

Mesler attended the [[University of Florida]] in Gainesville, Florida, where he competed as a [[Decathlon|decathlete]] for the [[Florida Gators track and field]] team from 1997 to 2000.<ref name="ufprofile">{{cite web |title=Steve Mesler |url=http://www.gatorzone.com/trackfield/men/bios.php?year=2000&bio=mesler.html |access-date=May 3, 2011 |work=Track & Field History, 2000 Roster |publisher=GatorZone.com}}</ref>  He graduated from the University of Florida with a [[bachelor's degree]], with honors, in exercise and sports science in 2000.<ref>{{cite web |title=Steve Mesler: Turin 2006 Winter Olympics |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/torino2006/usa/Steve+Mesler/606892 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522104501/http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/torino2006/usa/Steve%2BMesler/606892 |archive-date=May 22, 2011 |access-date=May 5, 2011 |publisher=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref> In 2015, Mesler was inducted into the University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance Alumni Hall of Fame.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame - College of Health and Human Performance |url=https://hhp.ufl.edu/alumni/distinguished-alumni/ |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=hhp.ufl.edu |language=en}}</ref>

After transitioning to bobsledding in 2001, Mesler rapidly excelled, representing Team USA in three consecutive Olympic Games (2002, 2006, and 2010). His Olympic career peaked with a historic gold medal at the 2010 Vancouver Games in the four-man event, alongside teammates Steven Holcomb, Justin Olsen, and Curt Tomasevicz. The first time the United States of America won gold in the event since 1948, a 62-year draught.

Mesler's team finished seventh in the four-man event at [[Turin]] in [[2006 Winter Olympics|2006]].<ref>{{cite Sports-Reference|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/me/steve-mesler-1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418111504/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/me/steve-mesler-1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-04-18|title=Steve Mesler}}</ref> He won two medals in the four-man event at the [[FIBT World Championships]] with a gold in [[FIBT World Championships 2009|2009]], a first in 50 years for the United States, and a bronze in [[FIBT World Championships 2004|2004]].

Mesler is the [https://www.buffalosportshallfame.com/steve-mesler/#:~:text=Steve%20has%20earned%2039%20World%20Cup%20medals%20in,all%20but%20one%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20bobsled%20tracks. most decorated American bobsled push athlete of all-time], collecting 39 World Cup medals over the span of his nine-year career.

Mesler’s athletic achievements have earned him induction into numerous prestigious halls of fame, including:

* 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)
* [http://buffalosportshallfame.com/ Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame]<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 25, 2012 |title=STEVE MESLER – Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame |url=http://buffalosportshallfame.com/member/steve-mesler/}}</ref> (Class of 2011)
* [[National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame]]<ref>{{cite web |date=February 27, 2011 |title=Mesler inducted into Jewish shrine |url=http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/other/article378065.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312180145/http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/other/article378065.ece |archive-date=March 12, 2012 |access-date=May 4, 2011 |work=The Buffalo News}}</ref> (Class of 2011)

== Leadership, Advocacy, and Mental Health ==
Following retirement from competitive sports, Mesler dedicated himself to leadership and advocacy. He served on the Board of Directors<ref>{{Cite web |title=Leadership {{!}} USOPC 2020 Impact Report |url=https://2020impactreport.teamusa.org/leadership.html |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=2020impactreport.teamusa.org}}</ref> for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) from 2015 to 2022, where he championed athlete welfare, mental health initiatives, governance reform, and enhanced transparency within Olympic institutions. During his tenure, Mesler spoke extensively about mental health and systemic change at numerous platforms, notably TEDx, TEDEd, Social Innovation Summits, SXSW EDU, and various media outlets, including The Washington Post, The Guardian, and Entrepreneur.

His advocacy work continues through frequent contributions to major publications, podcasts, and public forums, making him a prominent voice in discussions about high performance, resilience, and mental health.

== Executive and Performance Coaching ==
Mesler founded<ref>{{Cite news |last=GlobeNewswire |first=GlobeNewswire |date=Mar 19, 2025 |title=From the Podium to the Boardroom: Steve Mesler Launches MPG |url=https://financialpost.com/globe-newswire/from-the-podium-to-the-boardroom-steve-mesler-launches-mpg}}</ref> [https://meslerpg.com/ Mesler Performance Group], where he provides targeted executive and performance coaching tailored for high-achieving individuals and teams in various sectors, including Fortune 1000 executives, professional athletes, and innovative organizations. His approach uniquely integrates principles from neuroscience, performance psychology, and personal leadership development methodologies derived from his experiences at the highest levels of sports and business.

== Keynote Speaking ==
As a highly sought-after [https://www.stevemesler.net/speaking/ keynote speaker], Mesler delivers compelling insights drawn from his Olympic journey, leadership expertise, mental health advocacy, and personal experiences. 

Mesler has keynoted executive conferences and national conventions from Vancouver to Orlando.<ref name="stevemesler.com" /> He has spoken on communicating the Olympic ideals in [[Olympia, Greece|Olympia]], [[Greece]], talked about engagement in [[Tel Aviv]], [[Israel]], and sat as an expert on panels in [[Sochi]], [[Russia]] and [[Dubai]], [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]] to discuss the future of organizations in creating peace through sport education in global communities. In March 2014, Mesler spoke at the [http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20150326173949/https%3A//educationandskillsforum.org/ Global Education and Skills Forum] in Dubai with a talk titled [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OyyWKijw1U "Systematic change means getting back to local."]<ref>{{cite web |title=GESF 2014 ImpactLab: Steve Mesler &#124; Global Education & Skills Forum |url=https://educationandskillsforum.org/gesf-2014-impactlab-steve-mesler/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140613203020/https://educationandskillsforum.org/gesf-2014-impactlab-steve-mesler/ |archive-date=2014-06-13 |access-date=2014-06-13}}</ref> Other speakers at the conference included [[Tony Blair]] and [[Bill Clinton]], among others.<ref>{{cite web |title=Confirmed Speakers {{!}} Global Education & Skills Forum |url=https://educationandskillsforum.org/speakers/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701145813/https://educationandskillsforum.org/speakers/ |archive-date=2014-07-01 |website=educationandskillsforum.org}}</ref>

He has inspired diverse global audiences at significant events, including:

* Social Innovation Summits
* University of Florida HHP Graduation Commencement
* Global Education and Skills Forum
* Peace and Sport Conference
* TEDx and TEDEd
* SXSW EDU

== Classroom Champions ==
In 2009, Mesler co-founded Classroom Champions with his sister, [https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=97937386&authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=ym3w&locale=en_US&srchid=791202411402636490854&srchindex=1&srchtotal=2&trk=vsrp_people_res_name&trkInfo=VSRPsearchId%3A791202411402636490854%2CVSRPtargetId%3A97937386%2CVSRPcmpt%3Aprimary Dr. Leigh Mesler Parise], an innovative education nonprofit connecting world-class athletes with students, aiming to foster resilience, leadership, and socio-emotional skills. Under his leadership, Classroom Champions expanded significantly, positively impacting millions of students<ref name="classroomchampions.org">{{Cite web |title=Classroom Champions |url=https://www.classroomchampions.org/ |accessdate=13 December 2023 |website=Classroom Champions}}</ref> and teachers across North America. This transformative approach earned Classroom Champions the distinguished [https://olympic.ca/press/classroom-champions-to-be-awarded-2018-ioc-trophy-for-olympism-in-action/ Olympism in Action Award from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).]

[[File:Brad Spence and Calgary Class.jpg|thumb|Olympian Brad Spence visits one of his Classroom Champions classrooms in Calgary, AB via Google Hangout.]]

For his work on Classroom Champions, Mesler was named one of ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'''s renowned "[https://web.archive.org/web/20160304044601/http://www.classroomchampions.org/files/Athletes_Who_Care_-_SI_-_Dec_2012.pdf Athletes Who Care]" and was a 2011 Nominee for the International Champion for Peace Award by [[Peace and Sport]]. A [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imGfY8nb9jw TED-Ed Educator] and featured expert on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yXp-8iIc3Q&list=PLPxO-_IM9m7iWlrZt1Orx9YxVwmUDM2Sj Big Think], Steve has spoken around the world on the values of educating students through technology and mentorship. In 2013, Classroom Champions was the only non-European organization to receive a Fair Play Diploma from the [[International Fair Play Committee]] established by [[UNESCO]]. Recently, local agencies, the [[United States Olympic Committee]], and the White House have all recognized Classroom Champions teachers for their work.<ref name="stevemesler.com">{{Cite web|url=https://stevemesler.com/|title=山梨県での現金化はネット型業者がおすすめ！|website=山梨県でのリアルな現金化事情とは？注意点を紹介|accessdate=13 December 2023}}</ref>

Classroom Champions has been featured in publications such as:
[https://www.forbes.com/sites/darrenheitner/2014/02/08/the-olympic-effort-starts-with-sochi-continues-in-the-classroom/ ''Forbes''], [https://web.archive.org/web/20160304044601/http://www.classroomchampions.org/files/Athletes_Who_Care_-_SI_-_Dec_2012.pdf ''Sports Illustrated''], [https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043236/http://www.classroomchampions.org/files/Class_Act_-_SI_Kids_-_July_2012.pdf ''Sports Illustrated for Kids''], [https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/athletes-bring-olympic-lessons-classroom/story?id=22617361 ABC News], the [https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/congrats-on-that-olympic-gold-medal-now-what/2014/02/21/56dcd0a4-9979-11e3-80ac-63a8ba7f7942_story.html ''Washington Post''], [http://www.sportingnews.com/sport/story/2014-04-02/olympics-steve-mesler-classroom-champions-goal-setting The Sporting News], [http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/02/u-s-bobsledding-coach-is-selling-his-olympic-uniform-for-charity ''USA Today''], and the [https://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=txclassroomchampions Yahoo Sports].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.classroomchampions.org/news/120/Stories-About-Us |title=News |access-date=2014-06-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006212717/http://www.classroomchampions.org/news/120/Stories-About-Us |archive-date=2014-10-06 }}</ref>

In November 2014, Mesler received the Athletes in Excellence Award from [[The Foundation for Global Sports Development]], in recognition of his community service efforts and work with youth.<ref name=":0" />

Mesler stepped down as CEO<ref>{{Cite web |title=Classroom Champions Announces Transition of Leadership to Enter a New Era |url=https://www.classroomchampions.org/leadership-transition |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=Classroom Champions |language=en}}</ref> in Spring 2024 and transitioned to become Chairman of the Board of Directors and remains an active strategic advisor, continuing to advocate for educational excellence and leadership development.

== Authorship and Thought Leadership ==
Mesler is also known for his compelling thought leadership and writing, contributing influential articles on performance, leadership, and systemic change in prominent media outlets. 

His widely-read [https://steve-mesler.beehiiv.com newsletter] reaches thousands of Olympians, executives, educators, and innovators, sharing actionable insights and inspiring stories on leadership, personal development, and achievement.

Other examples of his impactful writing include:

* "[https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/3-lessons-for-every-business-from-an-olympian/238134 3 Lessons for Every Business from an Olympian]" (Entrepreneur)
* "[https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/feb/21/the-olympics-face-an-existential-crisis-an-american-led-effort-could-save-them The Olympics Face an Existential Crisis. An American-led Effort Could Save Them]" (The Guardian)
* "[https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/congrats-on-that-olympic-gold-medal-now-what/2014/02/21/56dcd0a4-9979-11e3-80ac-63a8ba7f7942_story.html Congrats on That Olympic Gold Medal. Now What?]" (Washington Post)

Mesler is currently authoring his first major book, with the working title of: ''Decoding'' ''Life’s Algorithm'', which distills his wealth of experiences into a clear, structured approach aimed at helping readers achieve substantial goals through scientifically validated methods, practical advice, and powerful storytelling.[[File:SmallStage and Screen 1.png|thumb|Steve Mesler on stage in Dallas, TX.]]

== Television experience ==
Mesler is a noted TV host and commentator. He has commentated on [[NBCUniversal]] for the 2009, 2011, and 2012 Bobsled World Championships as well as numerous World Cup races around the globe. Steve has co-hosted Calgary's ''[[Breakfast Television]]'' morning show on multiple occasions and, notably, has appeared on American television shows the ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]'', the [[Today (U.S. TV program)|''Today Show'']], and ''[[The Colbert Report]]''.<ref name="stevemesler.com" />

==Other philanthropic work==
Mesler has consistently donated his time to organization of various charitable good. He is currently active or has been active with the following organizations to raise awareness, raise impact, and or raise funds nationally as well as in his hometown of Buffalo, NY and residence of Calgary, AB: [[Ronald McDonald House]], [[Make a Wish Foundation]], [[Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center]], [[Peace and Sport]], [[Right To Play]].

In November 2014, Mesler received the Athletes in Excellence Award from [[The Foundation for Global Sports Development]], in recognition of his community service efforts and work with youth.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/November/21/Eight-Olympians-Paralympians-Named-Athletes-in-Excellence|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141212101140/http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/November/21/Eight-Olympians-Paralympians-Named-Athletes-in-Excellence|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 12, 2014|title=Eight Olympians, Paralympians Named Athletes In Excellence|newspaper=Team USA|access-date=2017-02-08}}</ref>

== Personal Life ==
Mesler currently resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with his wife, daughter, and son. He actively engages in community-building initiatives, supporting sports, education, and mental health causes. His personal narrative and insights continue to influence leaders, educators, athletes, and communities globally, further cementing his role as an influential thought leader and advocate.

== See also ==
{{Portal|Biography|Olympics}}
* [[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]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* {{IBSF profile}}
* {{Team USA|new_id=steve-mesler|old_id=ME/Steve-Mesler|archive=20221201101416}}
* {{Olympics.com profile}}
* {{Olympedia}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100124090135/http://bobsled.teamusa.org/news/2010/01/17/u-s-mens-bobsled-2010-olympic-team-announced/30713 US Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation announcement of the US Olympic men's bobsleigh team]. January 17, 2010. Accessed January 18, 2010.
* [https://www.linkedin.com/pub/steve-mesler/22/5b7/215 LinkedIn Profile]
* [http://www.classroomchampions.org/ Classroom Champions]

{{Footer Olympic Champions Bobsleigh Four-man}}
{{Footer World Champions Bobsleigh Four-man}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mesler, Steve}}
[[Category:1978 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American male bobsledders]]
[[Category:American male decathletes]]
[[Category:Bobsledders at the 2006 Winter Olympics]]
[[Category:Bobsledders at the 2010 Winter Olympics]]
[[Category:Florida Gators men's track and field athletes]]
[[Category:Jewish American sportspeople]]
[[Category:Olympic gold medalists for the United States in bobsleigh]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Buffalo, New York]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 2010 Winter Olympics]]
[[Category:21st-century American Jews]]
[[Category:21st-century American sportsmen]]