By John Hayden
Performance, excitement, and, most of all, brotherhood. International Mr. Leather (IML) brings the world’s top leathermen together every Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago. This year, one of South Florida’s best made his mark.
Mr. Eagle Steven Krespo took first runner up at the competition. In the moment, it seemed unbelievable. “I’m beyond honored to receive the IML 46, first Runner Up title. Thank you to the judges who saw me, heard my story, trusted me and gave me this honor.”
Finishing on the podium is the culmination of years of preparation and months of fundraising and community building. Any titleholder (or contender) will tell you that no one does it alone. During his acceptance speech, Crespo said that confidence is key, even in the face of what some may see as a disadvantage.
“Look at my height. I was born with a growth hormone deficiency. Only through years of medical treatment, I achieved this amazing height of five feet,” he said. “I was an easy target but not anymore. I may not be tall, but I surely grew a big heart.”
He credited the people around him, including winner Jamal Herrera-O’Malley, with making the experience so impactful. “This weekend I made new lasting friendships, and I feel honored. There were 59 contestants with 59 amazing stories. I love you all for your strength and courage to be your legitimate selves.”
“We are so proud of Steven Crespo’s first runner up finish at International Mister Leather!” Eagle owner Chuck King said. “Getting on the podium is incredibly difficult, and Steven made that happen.”
The race for the title between Crespo and Herrera-O’Malley was incredibly close. At the end of the competition, the two were tied. Officials went back to the preliminary scores before the top 20. Those scores were just a one point difference.
King has experience in these contests and knows better than most just how much of an accomplishment this is for Crespo. “I have been producing leather contests for over 15 years and this is the first time one of my contestants was able to take the podium with only one point separating Steven and the winner. Our community should be extremely proud of him.”
Crespo won’t let himself be overlooked, and says neither should anyone else.
“I see you. Please stay strong, loving and confident always.”
