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Connor Fields, Phase 2 - TALES FROM THE SPOTLIGHT

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Connor Fields, Phase 2 - TALES FROM THE SPOTLIGHT

The conclusion of our two-part TALES FROM THE SPOTLIGHT with Olympian Connor Fields...

Mark Shunock interviews Connor Fields at a recent MONDAYS DARK

Connor Fields might eventually become known as a "Las Vegas Golden Boy." That description is fitting, thanks to his Olympic gold medal and sandy brown hair. It also represents the continuing accomplishments that make his hometown proud. Last month, we introduced you to Connor in this VEGAS 411 TALES FROM THE SPOTLIGHT. The champion BMX athlete led us through his beginnings at a local bike park to achieving the highest possible athletic accomplishment. Then came a horrible accident witnessed around the world.

Today, we look at the aftermath of that fateful day and how Mr. Fields has focused his energies in positive directions. No longer training for the next competition, he's found new ways to inspire hope and success. Connor's handsome features, charismatic voice, and impressive physique are enough to grab the attention of most audiences. But it's his tragedies and triumphs that make the Las Vegas native an in-demand keynote speaker on the lecture circuit. [embed]https://youtu.be/9e5d-dx2wrI?si=j4OmklNuaherGiBo[/embed] "My second act is all about helping and sharing. I think that's really what it's all about. One overarching theme has been to just say "yes" and go for it. You know, don't be afraid of failure because you're gonna fail." "I've failed more times than I've succeeded, without a doubt. You just keep going. I was nervous as heck the first time I gave a speech, the first time I did a PBS show. I just went for it! One thing I learned through sports is that even if you're nervous, sometimes you've got to get on the horse and go."

"My career in keynote speaking began in 2017 after I returned home from Rio with a gold medal in tow. My speech, “Gold Medal Moments,” outlined my journey of becoming a two-time Olympian, multiple-time World Champion, and the first American to win an Olympic BMX Gold medal. The journey to the top did not come without trial or tribulation, and I wanted to share my story."

"My first thirty years were all about me and winning. Now it's about sharing and helping, whether through speaking and inspiring or by teaching others that they, too, can work through adversity to build resilience and move forward in life and challenges."

After Connor made the bold decision not to compete for another gold medal in 2024, he found himself in a unique position...as a commentator for NBC's Summer Olympics coverage in Paris. "Honored and humbled to be here…also absolutely stoked! Can’t wait to share my love for BMX with the whole country. The storylines are amazing, the athletes are incredible, and now we get to see all the history unfold!" - June 2024

Asked why so many athletes move into broadcasting and other media, he told me it was just a natural progression. "As athletes, we spend a lot of time in front of the camera. After a while, it becomes comfortable." He added that having an in-depth understanding of sports provides an advantage when analyzing events for viewers and readers. "I truly feel like I have become better at both sides for having been on both sides. I think that is another good lesson, especially in business. Make sure you know about all sides of the business. Don’t be stuck so deep in your lane that you lose touch with what is going on around you."

Connor has broadened his involvement in sporting events to include the Special Olympics Northern California, Vegas Golden Knights, the Las Vegas Mountain Bike Fest, Music City BMX, and this year's USA BMX (American Bicycle Association) Pro Series. His affiliation with USA BMX extends to their youth programs: "I am now the official ambassador of the American Bicycle Association, where I will work closely with USA BMX and the other entities under the ABA banner. I look forward to working to continue pushing BMX forward and continue to give back to the sport that gave me so much." Connor's proud to be involved with the USA BMX Foundation S.T.E.M. program. In this project-based curriculum, students use BMX bikes to perform various experiments while learning and applying critical concepts from STEM disciplines...science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Another of Connor's phase-two activities is prepping the next generation of BMX competitors. He offers professional coaching through in-person instruction, personalized training plans, and free advice by email. You can learn more by heading here. His love for young people has connected Connor to several youth-based charitable organizations. He's collaborated with Win-Win Charity. The non-profit from entertainer Jeff Civillico was created to bring joy to hospitalized children nationwide. [embed]https://youtu.be/k6LXAk2Pa0A?si=0WNijUW4MGpREfeD[/embed] Here, Connor recounts a touching story where an event at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital allowed him to bond with a particular family: "After I won the Olympics, I was asked to visit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. Of course, I said yes, and I remember it being an incredible experience. I have since been a supporter of their cause."

"Fast-forward to last week, I am in Nashville teaching a BMX lesson (at) Music City BMX. One of the rider's parents has a camera and is taking photos. He says to me "I have shot you before." I automatically assume it's at a BMX event, so I ask, "What race?" He replied, "I was the staff photographer at St. Jude when you came to visit. My son was two at the time, and we knew nothing about BMX."

"Eventually, his son started riding BMX. It led to me teaching him in a BMX class nine years after I visited St. Jude. His dad took photos again. This time, the photos were of me passing BMX knowledge on to his son. What a cool full-circle moment! Really makes me thankful for BMX and everything this life has offered me."

You might be wondering by now, "Does this guy ever sleep?". It's unlikely. Connor has a lovely fiancée, is a proud rescue-dog dad, and sometimes finds himself in mosh pits at heavy metal concerts. Somehow, he has time to be the latest host of OUTDOOR NEVADA. [embed]https://youtu.be/JlU60VndfIw?si=Ny-tBR0N7hraM__Y[/embed] The long-running PBS program is described as "the ultimate road trip". OUTDOOR NEVADA highlights natural scenic and cultural wonders in Connor's home state...from extreme to serene, and everything in between. So far, he's shot two seasons, covering everything from tracking bighorn sheep to visiting ghost towns and rappelling off a cliff. View full episodes online by heading here.

When not filming, Connor and his PBS colleagues turn the docu-series into real-life adventures. They're called OUTDOOR NEVADA in Real Life and are designed to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. Expert guides take you to fascinating Nevada locations for hiking, biking, kayaking, finding hidden trails, and other amazing activities. VEGAS 411 will go along for an upcoming OUTDOOR NEVADA in Real Life. In the meantime, here are pics from last month's adventure. Register for future outings with Connor and the PBS team by heading here.

With all the successful things he's achieved, Connor Fields seems to have been gifted with the Midas touch. We at VEGAS 411 are grateful for the opportunity to share his remarkable story with you.