Connor O'Leary

Connor O'Leary is a professional cyclist, cancer survivor, adventurer, and advocate known for his work in resilience and perseverance. O'Leary began racing in his early teens, progressing through the ranks to compete as a professional cyclist. As a member of the Bontrager-Livestrong team and the USA Cycling development program, he raced internationally in Europe, North America, and other regions.

O'Leary's athletic career was interrupted by a diagnosis of testicular cancer shortly after his 19th birthday. During treatment, he also experienced a pulmonary embolism affecting his lungs and heart. Following his recovery, O'Leary became an advocate for cancer awareness, sharing his experiences with organizations, corporations, schools, and hospitals. After earning a Bachelor of Science in strategic communications from the University of Utah, he joined the Testicular Cancer Foundation as chief mission officer, focusing on providing resources and community support for males and their families affected by the disease.

O'Leary's story gained national attention when he and his father, Dave O'Leary, competed on CBS's "The Amazing Race." After an injury forced them to withdraw from Season 22, the pair returned for "The Amazing Race: All-Stars," where they became the first parent-child team to win the competition, securing the $1 million prize and winning six of the 12 legs.

In addition to his television appearances, O'Leary has pursued entrepreneurship and outdoor adventure. He launched the Wanaka Packable Daypack on Kickstarter, a multipurpose outdoor gear system developed during his cancer treatment. As a Travelocity travel ambassador, O'Leary documents his global adventures on his website, The O'Leary Theory. As a keynote speaker, he addresses topics such as cycling, cancer survivorship, adventure, and nonprofit leadership, offering insights into overcoming adversity and building resilience.