Michael Stember

Michael Stember was a middle-distance runner who competed in the 1,500 metres at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He was twice a silver medalist at that distance at the Pan American Games, in 1999 and 2003. He also finished fourth in the 1,500 at the 1999 Universiade.

Stember attended Stanford University, where he was second in the 1,500 at the 2000 NCAA Meet and fourth in 2001. He was the 2003 USA Indoor Champion in the 800 metres. In 2000 he ran on a Stanford distance medley relay team that set a world indoor record.

Stember left running in the mid-2000s and became a chef. He started out in California with Sushi Belly Tower, which was a blend of sashimi, live music, and premium cocktails. Stember served many famous people including Elon Musk and he was Bradley Cooper’s personal chef for a time. He later changed coasts, and settled in Brooklyn, New York where he opened his own restaurant, Ponyboy, and was heralded as a sushi master. He later opened another restaurant, also specializing in sushi, Mayanoki.

Personal Best: 1500 – 3:35.11 (2000).