Connor O'Leary says that growing up in Cronulla he kept his Japanese heritage to himself. Now the professional surfer hopes to represent his mother's homeland at the 2024 Olympic Games after an official transfer of allegiance.
PUNTA ROCA, LA LIBERTAD, EL SALVADOR - JUNE 10: Connor O'Leary of Australia after surfing in Heat 5 of the Opening Round at the Surf City El Salvador Pro on June 10, 2023 at Punta Roca, La Libertad, El Salvador.
The surfer, who currently ranks 11th in the world, was born to a Japanese mother and an Australian father, growing up in the Sydney suburb of Cronulla. Growing up in Cronulla, O’Leary said he was not an "overly confident kid" who was able to be open about his Japanese background. The opportunity to be featured in the Disney+ original series “Chasing Waves” , which shed light on Japan's unique surfing culture, also allowed him to reflect on who he is.
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