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United States Connor O'Leary has transitioned from professional cyclist and 'Amazing Race' winner to Chief Mission Officer for the Testicular Cancer Foundation, advocating for cancer awareness and survivorship.
Formed with his best friend Boman Farrer, Wanaka Outdoors manufactures adventure bags, including the Wanaka Packable Daypack system which was launched via Kickstarter. This project was developed during O'Leary's cancer treatment.
Connor O'Leary serves as the Chief Mission Officer for the Testicular Cancer Foundation, using his personal experience as a cancer survivor to advocate for the disease, provide resources, and build community for males and their families.
Connor O'Leary has been a Travelocity Travel Ambassador, aligning with his adventurous lifestyle and global travels.
Connor O'Leary rode for Bontrager LIVESTRONG, one of the top professional development cycling teams in the world, as part of his professional cycling career.
Connor O'Leary was a participant and winner on the CBS television show 'The Amazing Race' (Seasons 22 and 24, including 'All-Stars').
Connor O’Leary, a native of Seattle raised in Utah, embarked on a professional cycling career at age 13, progressing through the USA Junior National team, the U23 USA National Team, and ultimately riding for Bontrager LIVESTRONG, a professional development cycling team. His career took an unexpected turn at 19 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Following surgery and chemotherapy, including a life-threatening pulmonary embolism during treatment, O’Leary achieved a successful return to professional cycling, racing for the USA National Team and Bontrager Professional Cycling. This period instilled in him a new perspective on life and resilience.
In 2012, O’Leary participated in the 22nd season of the CBS reality competition series ‘The Amazing Race’ with his father, Dave O’Leary. Their initial race was cut short due to Dave’s Achilles tendon injury. They were invited back for ‘The Amazing Race: All-Stars’ (Season 24) in 2014, where they ultimately won the competition, navigating over 23,000 miles across 22 cities and nine countries. His experience as a cancer survivor informed his approach to the challenges of the race, emphasizing perseverance and pushing personal limits. After graduating from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communications, O’Leary joined the Testicular Cancer Foundation as Chief Mission Officer in 2015, leveraging his personal experience to advocate for cancer awareness and patient resources.
Beyond his cycling and television accomplishments, O’Leary has focused on entrepreneurial ventures and public speaking. In 2017, he launched Wanaka Packable Daypack, an adventure bag company, through Kickstarter, a project conceived during his cancer treatment. He has shared his story and experiences globally with various organizations, corporations, schools, and hospitals, becoming a keynote speaker on topics including cancer survivorship, adventure, and overcoming adversity. O’Leary’s career demonstrates a consistent trajectory of confronting challenges and utilizing his experiences to inspire others. He has delivered a TEDx Talk titled “Focus is a muscle.” He continues to be an advocate for healthy living and outdoor pursuits through his platform, The O’Leary Theory.
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