EXHIBIT 32.1

                CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

                           PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. 1350

                 (SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002)

I, Michael D. Siegal, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Olympic Steel,
Inc. (the "Company"), certify that to the best of my knowledge, based upon a
review of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2004,
of the Company (the "Report"):

         (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
         15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

         (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
         material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
         the Company.

By: /s/ Michael D. Siegal
    -------------------------
Michael D. Siegal
Olympic Steel, Inc.
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

May 10, 2004

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