Major Eli Bremer shares his unique journey marrying military service with Olympic aspirations, and his continued advocacy for athlete rights and fitness.
While many children might choose a singular path in life—whether military service or Olympic competition—Major Eli Bremer of the Air Force Reserve Command has harmoniously merged the two, embodying a both-and approach from a young age. “There was never an ‘or’ question in my mind. It was always ‘and,’” he reflects, illustrating his commitment to both service and sport.
A Unified Dream Realized
Growing up in close proximity to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Bremer found inspiration from an early age. The successful cadets he encountered fueled his ambition and helped him forge a clear vision for his future. “All my childhood mentors were cadets at the Academy,” he recalls, pointing to those early influences as pivotal in shaping his dreams.
His journey took a significant turn when he discovered the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), which enabled him to pursue Olympic aspirations while serving in the military. He couldn’t help but express his ambitions in a letter to his future self during his freshman year, declaring his intention to join WCAP and represent the United States at the Olympics.
In 2008, Bremer realized that dream at the Summer Olympics in Beijing, where he competed in the modern pentathlon, finishing 22nd. Following this achievement, he continued his service with the Air Force Reserve Command, where he now chairs the Advisory Board for the WCAP program. He advocates for the program, emphasizing its benefits for both the military and the athletes it attracts. “The military and people get a great outcome from it,” he notes, highlighting the practical training that service members receive outside of their sporting careers.
Advocacy Beyond Competition
Reflecting on his time as both an athlete and a service member, Bremer believes his most valuable contributions emerged after his competitive days ended. “You may take the uniform off, but you don’t take off the obligations,” he asserts, underscoring his ongoing commitment to athlete advocacy.
His prominent role surfaced during the fallout from the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal, which exposed systemic failures in athlete governance. Bremer was a vocal critic of the existing model that allowed for cover-ups of abuse and took the initiative to push for reform. “I had been a vocal critic of the governance model because it predisposed ways to cover up issues like abuse,” he reflects, explaining that his foresight wasn’t prophetic but rooted in a clear understanding of governance.
In response to the scandal, Bremer rallied an athlete coalition and joined with bipartisan lawmakers to enact reforms within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. While acknowledging that the changes haven’t solved every problem, he sees them as meaningful steps forward for athlete safety and representation.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
Bremer has also played an integral role in elevating the United States’ presence in the Military Games. When he participated in the 2000 Military Championships in Switzerland, he formed a lasting friendship with a Brazilian lieutenant, Nilton Rolim. Years later, as Rolim became President of the International Military Sports Council, Bremer seized the opportunity to advocate for U.S. involvement in the Military World Games. As co-chair of the bid committee, he was instrumental in securing Charlotte, North Carolina, as the host city for the 2027 event.
“I’m super proud of what we’ve done there,” Bremer states, reflecting on the collaboration that made this achievement possible.
Life After Competition: A Focus on Fitness
Outside of his military and advocacy work, Bremer runs Pure Performance, a consulting firm, and serves as CEO of Mytikas Industries, a manufacturing company. Although competitive athletics are behind him, he maintains an active lifestyle through swimming and cycling, prioritizing longevity over speed and endurance. For Bremer, transitioning to lower-impact activities allows him to focus on family and overall well-being, particularly as he seeks to keep pace with his son and support his aging father.
“My thinking now is not on how fast I can run but if I can keep up with my son and be there for my 83-year-old father,” he muses. He’s also taken up golf, finding it a fulfilling activity that keeps him active.
Bremer believes that establishing new fitness goals is essential for veterans and older adults, even if those goals shift over time. “It’s okay to move the goalposts a little bit, and you have to, but you must forgive yourself and do the best you can now,” he advises, emphasizing that neglecting fitness can lead to regret. His message is clear: maintaining physical activity remains vital as one ages, contributing to a fulfilling life.
Moreover, Bremer continues to encourage younger Americans to consider military service, particularly through programs like WCAP, as a pathway to fulfilling their dreams. “It makes you a better person. Your time in service will fundamentally transform you,” he concludes, reminding us all of the honor inherent in serving one’s country while pursuing personal aspirations.
For more information on the Military World Games, check here. You can also connect with Bremer on LinkedIn.
M&F Senior Military Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this Fit to Serve article.
Discussion
Sign in to join the discussion.