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,[1] and co-founding the innovative and international award-winning[2] education and leadership nonprofit, 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 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 decathlete for the Florida Gators track and field team from 1997 to 2000.[4] He graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree, with honors, in exercise and sports science in 2000.[5] In 2015, Mesler was inducted into the University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance Alumni Hall of Fame.[6]
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.[7] He won two medals in the four-man event at the FIBT World Championships with a gold in 2009, a first in 50 years for the United States, and a bronze in 2004.
Following retirement from competitive sports, Mesler dedicated himself to leadership and advocacy. He served on the Board of Directors[10] 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[11]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 keynote speaker, Mesler delivers compelling insights drawn from his Olympic journey, leadership expertise, mental health advocacy, and personal experiences.
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, 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[15] and teachers across North America. This transformative approach earned Classroom Champions the distinguished Olympism in Action Award from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
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 "Athletes Who Care" and was a 2011 Nominee for the International Champion for Peace Award by Peace and Sport. A TED-Ed Educator and featured expert on 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.[12]
Mesler stepped down as CEO[18] 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 newsletter reaches thousands of Olympians, executives, educators, and innovators, sharing actionable insights and inspiring stories on leadership, personal development, and achievement.
Mesler is currently authoring his first major book, with the working title of: DecodingLife’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.
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 Show, and The Colbert Report.[12]
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.
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