Robert Douglas Espeseth Jr. (born October 25, 1953) an American former competitive rower and Olympic medal winner.

He was one of 461 athletes to receive a Congressional Gold Medal many years later.

[2] Espeseth and teammates Douglas Herland and Kevin Still won the bronze medal in the Men's Pair with coxswain (2+) event with a time of 7:12.81 at the 1984 Summer Olympics.

[citation needed] He was considered one of the favorites to win the coxed pair in the 1988 Summer Olympics with partner Daniel Lyons, but became sick and was unable to compete.

[6] As of 2014[update], Espeseth is currently the coach of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Rowing Mocs.