Todd Hays

Todd Hays, born on May 21, 1969, in Del Rio, Texas, is a distinguished former American bobsledder, kickboxer, and mixed martial arts fighter. His bobsledding career spanned from 1994 to 2006, during which he made a significant mark by winning a silver medal in the four-man event at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. This achievement ended a 46-year medal drought for the U.S. national bobsleigh team, showcasing Hays' exceptional talent and determination.

Before his illustrious bobsledding career, Hays was an accomplished athlete in American football and kickboxing. He played linebacker for the University of Tulsa, contributing to the team's victory over San Diego State University in the Freedom Bowl in 1991. Following his college football career, he played two seasons with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League before transitioning to kickboxing, where he became the national champion in 1993.

Hays also ventured into mixed martial arts, competing in the 1995 Vale Tudo Freestyle Fighting Championship in Japan. Although he won his first bout, an injury forced him to withdraw from the tournament. His journey in this sport was documented in the film 'Choke: Rickson Gracie,' where he expressed his desire to finance his Olympic dreams through fighting.

After retiring from bobsledding post the 2006 Winter Olympics, Hays returned to coaching football in the U.S. He attempted a comeback for the 2010 Winter Olympics but suffered a serious injury that led to his retirement from competitive bobsledding. Subsequently, he took on coaching roles, including working with the Dutch bobsleigh team and later becoming the head coach for the U.S. women's bobsled team, leading them to two medals at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Despite his success, Hays faced challenges, including losing his coaching position due to restructuring within the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation. He then became the head coach and technical director for the Jamaican bobsled team for the 2014-15 season, although financial constraints limited his role. Hays' journey reflects resilience and dedication, both as an athlete and a coach.