#1 Connor O'Leary: Japanese Australian pro surfer on representing his cultural heritage

World's 11th-ranked pro surfer Connor O'Leary and his mother and former Japanese surfing champion Akemi Karasawa dropped by SBS to speak about their special bond and hopes of representing Japan in the Paris Games.

WSL Surfer Connor O'Leary and his mother Akemi Karasawa at SBS in Sydney, 20 May 2023 Credit: Yusuke Oba

Connor O'Leary, currently ranked 11th in the world, was born to a Japanese mother and an Australian father, growing up in the Sydney suburb of Cronulla.

However, he was not an "overly confident kid" who was able to be open about his Japanese background.

"I spent lot of times as a kid, putting my Japanese heritage behind me to try and fit in with the Australian culture and fit in at school."

But it came with maturity, says the 29-year-old.

O'Leary, who has represented Australia in the World Surf League (WSL), has officially transferred to Japan, eyeing a spot for the Paris Games in 2024.

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. Credit: Aaron Hughes/World Surf League via Getty Images

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