ABOUT Connor
MEET CONNOR
My BMX journey began unexpectedly when my mom came across a flyer for the local Las Vegas BMX track. She stopped by for a quick repair and unknowingly stumbled upon what would turn out to be her son’s lifelong passion. One visit, one afternoon at that track, and I was hooked. From that day on, my life revolved around BMX—riding it, watching it, even dreaming about it. By eleven, I had lost interest in all other sports, my focus set solely on BMX. I was named as a member of Team USA for the first time in 2010 at age 17, an accomplishment I would need to repeat again in 2011 and in 2012 before I would finally have a shot at representing my country on the world stage at the Olympics. I earned that honor three times in my career, first in 2012 in London, then in 2016 where I won my gold medal in Rio, and finally in 2021 in Tokyo.
Though there are other athletes who have competed at multiple Olympic Games, I have quite the unique claim to fame… I am the only Olympic athlete who has both won a gold medal, and nearly died while competing at the Olympics. The highest of highs, and the lowest of lows. The accident in Tokyo ended my racing career, but I use my experience as an opportunity to help others. I continue to work within the USABMX organization to further the sport, I continue to be a part of the future of BMX racing through coaching, and I share my life story with others in my keynote speech, “Now What?”.
THE STATS
Gold Medalist - Olympic Games, Rio 2016
3x Olympian – 2012, 2016, 2021
2x Time Trial World Champion
Bronze Medalist - World Championships 2015
Team USA 2010 – 2021
Gold Medalist - Panamerican Games 2011
UCI BMX World Cup Champion - 2013; 2020
8 World Cup Wins
17 World Cup Podiums
5x USA Cycling National Champion
3x USABMX National Champion
THE STATS
Throughout my career, I've been honored to achieve remarkable milestones that reflect my dedication to BMX racing. I'm proud to be a 2023 Nevada Sports Hall of Fame inductee, showcasing my journey from a passionate young rider to a three-time Olympian and Olympic Gold Medalist in 2016. My career is highlighted by my victories at the World Championships, where I was a two-time Time Trial World Champion and earned a bronze medal. Representing Team USA at the Pan-American Games, I brought home a gold medal in 2011. My successes in the UCI BMX World Cups include being a two-time series champion and securing 8 World Cup wins among 17 podiums. Domestically, I've been USA BMX #1 pro three times and achieved numerous national championships. My journey through BMX has been an incredible ride, filled with highs and lows, all of which have shaped me into the athlete and person I am today.
OLYMPIC JOURNEY
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At 19, I entered the London Olympics as the world's #2 ranked BMX rider. Young, confident, and determined, I sailed through my heats and semifinals, entering the final as the top seed and the favorite to win it all. I was about to see my dream of winning Olympic Gold actualized at only 19 years old. However, when it came time to execute,the pressure got to me. This led to a disappointing 7th place finish out of 8, plunging me into a period of depression, embarrassment, and self-doubt.
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In the four years after London, I worked tirelessly for another shot at Olympic glory, focusing on refining my mental game and preparing for the pressure that caused me to fall short the first time. Despite breaking my wrist on April 1st, just 4.5 months before the Olympics were set to take place, I made the team through a discretionary nomination. My wrist was still technically broken during the games, but I wanted that Gold more than anything. This time, I wasn't the favorite, entering the final as the 7th seed. Drawing on my London experience during those final moments before the gate dropped,, I knew that only my ability to execute mattered. “Riders ready… watch the gate…” I was in the race to win it all, positioned second behind a teammate, when I was faced with a crucial choice: settle for silver or risk everything for gold. Opting for the latter, I executed a daring pass which clinched my victory. I learned then, that it's not just about making the right choices and working hard, you must seize the opportunities that are presented to you and make them count.
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Despite having to navigate through a one year COVID delay, I approached my third Olympics in peak condition, effortlessly winning my heats and securing the number one seed for the finals, poised for a repeat victory. Tragically, a collision with another rider resulted in me lying unconscious and needing to be carried off of the track. I awoke in the hospital to find that I had been in a coma for 5 days and that I had sustained 4 severe brain injuries from which I was lucky to still be alive. The accident rendered me unable to remember the final race of my Olympic career, and forced me to retire from competition forever. I spent the next year physically, mentally, and emotionally recovering. This unforeseen travesty changed the trajectory of my life and caused me to have to rethink my future. But at least I had a future. My final Olympic games taught me a lesson in perspective. Mourn what you have lost, heal, but then pivot. Take advantage of the opportunities in front of you, make a change, try something new. Live your life to the fullest, there is always success in that.
