Mike Mai

Michael Mai is a U.S. Army major and former American hammer thrower born on September 27, 1977, in Iowa. The second youngest of six siblings in an athletic family, he was the 1996 valedictorian at Gehlen Catholic School in Le Mars, Iowa. Mai began throwing the hammer at the United States Military Academy at West Point after injuries ended his football career.

Mai competed twice in the hammer throw at World Championships, in 2009 and 2011, though he never qualified for an Olympic team. He won a silver medal for the United States at the 2011 Pan American Games and finished second at the 2011 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. His personal best of 76.28 metres was set in Provo in 2008.

His wife, Deirdre Mullen, competed at the same 2011 Pan American Games as a high jumper. Indoors, Mai achieved 23.91 metres at the 2012 national championships, finishing second behind Olympian A.G. Kruger. His military service and athletic achievements exemplify dedication both to country and sport.