Connor Fields joins JD Diaz to share how he went from Olympic gold to a coma in Tokyo—and how he rebuilt his life through public speaking and storytelling.

Connor Fields: Olympic Gold, Crash, and Reinvention

May 28, 2025

Connor Fields on Olympic Glory, Life-Threatening Injury, and Finding New Purpose

Connor Fields is a three-time Olympian, two-time World Champion, and the first
American to win Olympic BMX Gold. At the 2021 Tokyo Games, he suffered a severe
crash resulting in life-threatening injuries, requiring extensive rehabilitation.
Connor emphasized focus on resilience and gained new appreciation for the importance
of mental health through his recovery. He is now a keynote speaker, the host of PBS’s
“Outdoor Nevada,” and an NBC sports BMX commentator. His inspiring story has been
featured on The Today Show, Sports Illustrated, and in Vanity Fair.
Connor motivates audiences with his journey of recovery, peak performance strategies,
and the powerful message emphasizing the importance of even the smallest decision.

Winning Gold and Facing “What’s Next?”

After winning the U.S.’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in BMX at the 2016 Rio Games, Connor Fields found himself asking a question that haunts many top athletes: “What now?” At just 23, he was riding high—but the journey was far from over.

 

Tokyo Crash: A Career and Life-Altering Moment

While preparing to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to COVID), Connor was at the peak of his game—until a collision during the semifinal race left him with a collapsed lung, broken bones, and a traumatic brain injury. He awoke five days later in a Japanese hospital, unable to recall what had happened.

 

Rebuilding After Trauma: Retirement and Reinvention

The road to recovery was long and uncertain. After over 18 months of rehab and the risk of further brain injury, Connor made the hard decision to retire. But from that decision came something new—an inspiring keynote speaking career and a role as commentator for NBC during the Paris Olympics.

 

Outdoor Nevada: A New Chapter in Storytelling

Today, Connor hosts Outdoor Nevada on PBS, exploring the state’s rich landscapes and outdoor culture. With each episode, he continues what he began on the podium: inspiring others by sharing stories that matter.