Competing in the Olympic Games is often described as the pinnacle of an athlete’s career, but for equestrian legend David O’Connor, the experience went beyond winning medals. His Olympic appearances on the U.S. Eventing Team at the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Summer Games weren’t just defining moments in his career - they were personal, transformative journeys that would stay with him forever.  

 

1996 Atlanta Olympics 

For O’Connor, the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Ga., marked a turning point not just professionally, but emotionally. Having attended earlier Games in support roles, competing as an athlete on home soil brought an entirely new level of excitement.  

“Atlanta was very exciting because it was at home. The hometown crowd is very infectious, and maybe a little partisan,” O’Connor laughed. “That was probably the first time I felt the depth of that excitement.” 

One unique aspect of Atlanta was that O’Connor had the opportunity to attend the opening ceremonies, which was unusual for the eventing athletes, as they typically began competition the next day. But with a rest day between travel and competition, he was able to soak up the lively energy from not only his teammates but their many supporters as well.  

“In our everyday lives, you have maybe 10 people supporting you. Then, as you move up, it becomes hundreds. And then suddenly, you’re at the Olympics, and there are millions of people supporting you,” he said. “They may not even understand what you're doing, but they’re behind you simply because you're a U.S. athlete. That’s overwhelming in the best way.” 

Those emotions came to a head during the medal ceremony, when O’Connor and his wife, Karen O’Connor, stood side-by-side on the podium, along with fellow U.S. Eventing Team members Bruce Davidson and Jill Henneberg, to receive their team silver medal.  

“I think we were the first couple to stand on the podium together that weren’t competing as a pair, like in ice skating,” O’Connor said. “That was amazing, because the person you wanted to share that with was standing right there.” 

 

2000 Sydney Games  

While Atlanta offered the thrill of a hometown crowd, the Sydney Games in 2000 brought an enthusiastic equestrian community. 

“Sydney was fantastic. It’s a real horse country,” O’Connor said of Australia. “Huge crowds. I think we had 60,000 people out on cross-country day, and that was just one of two days, since individual and team events were separate.” 

From the passionate Australian crowds chanting, “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi” (which O’Connor said could get a bit annoying by the thousandth time you heard it!) to the amazing competition venue, Sydney was a magical experience. With the U.S.

Eventing Team winning a team bronze medal, O’Connor once again stood on the podium, basking in the team and personal triumph.  

“There’s a great film of Sydney where we’re all up on the podium and they’re putting the medal around your neck, and you’re just shaking your head like, ‘How did that happen?’ There’s that moment of disbelief where it’s the pinnacle of your professional career, so it’s very emotional.” 

 

Beyond the Medals 

Despite his personal success winning an individual gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, O’Connor’s fondest Olympic memories revolve around the team experience. For him, it was about the people, including fellow riders, grooms, coaches, and supporters, who made the journey worthwhile. 

“One of my favorite memories was in Atlanta after the medal ceremony,” he said. “Karen and I tried to walk to a family tent set up for our supporters. We were still in our show jumping gear, and we couldn’t even get through the crowd. People were celebrating, asking for autographs, and security eventually had to come get us.” 

 

The Next Generation 

Beyond the competition arena, both David and Karen O’Connor have dedicated decades to mentoring the next generation of equestrians, with their influence being evident in the careers of many top riders. 

“We’ve always focused on that 18 to 25 age group, young riders stepping out on their own for the first time,” he explained. “We would help them grow as people and professionals, and sometimes it felt like we were just keeping them alive.” 

O’Connor takes pride in seeing his students succeed, not just in the sport, but also in life.  

“It’s fun to watch them grow into young professionals. The process we teach is very hands-on. They learn by doing. It’s just fun, it’s a very enjoyable journey to be a part of.” 

When asked what advice he would offer to young riders, O’Connor answered: “Find the best people to be around and study them. Integrity is a big thing for me. Just because someone is famous doesn’t mean they’re the right mentor for you. Look at their students and look at what they produce.”  

Persistence, he added, is key.  

“Sometimes, you just have to be a little annoying. Keep showing up. If you want to be good, you have to aim high.” 

As O’Connor reflects on his 20-year career, it’s the relationships and the body of work that matter most.  

“Yes, the medals are great, but it’s the people, the owners, grooms, vets, farriers, and students, that are the real story,” said O’Connor. “And, of course, the horses. Without them, none of this would have ever happened.”