Gymnastics season is just around the corner, and those watching coverage of NCAA women's competitions on ESPN, ABC and the SEC Network may spot a familiar face – Bart Conner. Conner, a 1984 University of Oklahoma graduate and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has combined his gymnastics background and journalism/PR degree into a TV commentary career that has spanned more than 40 years. Conner shared how he ended up pursuing a television career, how his time at OU prepared him for his career, advice for current students and more.
Do you have a favorite faculty/staff member at Gaylord?
Bill Baxter, PR professor. I started at OU as a mechanical engineering student. By my junior year, I realized that I was probably not going to be an engineer, and I was already being asked to do TV commentary on gymnastics events, and media tours for Olympic sponsors. Professor Bill Baxter, who just happened to be my neighbor, told me to consider Journalism/PR as a major since having a solid storytelling and writing background would help me in my eventual career. I have been doing TV commentary for over 40 years now, and I am convinced that my writing and storytelling background has served me well.
How did your career path lead you to the formation of the Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy?
After the 1984 Olympics, I decided to partner with my former coach, Paul Ziert, and open our own gymnastics academy. I always knew I would stay involved in gymnastics in some way after my retirement from competition.
Describe your role with future gymnasts – current and former.
I am co-owner/operator of our gymnastics academy, where I also currently coach level 6 boys who are between 9 and 12 years old (intermediate level).
What do you consider to be the most significant moments of your career so far?
I have had many, but I think winning OU’s first NCAA team title in 1977 was a game changer for me and for OU. However, two gold medals at the 1984 Olympics is probably the accomplishment for which I am most known.
How did the J-school prepare you for your future career?
I am confident that the writing background that I received has served me very well in my role as a TV announcer, but also in my leadership role in our company. Great leaders need to be great communicators. One of the most important things I remember from my PR courses, was to remember that "if you don’t define your brand, your competitors will."
What advice would you give to current students aspiring to a career in mass communication?
I know it seems like a cliche, but I have learned to follow my passion. If you love what you are doing, the work will be a pleasure. I love doing TV commentary for NCAA women’s gymnastics on ESPN/ABC/SEC, and even though there was little interest in what we're doing several years ago, because we have a great team of producers, directors, announcers, graphics, etc., we have built a very popular TV product that has been enormously successful. We followed our passion and it has paid off.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
My wife, Olympic gold medalist Nadia Comaneci, and I have a 15-year-old son, who is the center of our world. We support him in a variety of activities, including Celtic Soccer where he is goalkeeper.
Are there any other organizations or projects you’re involved with outside of your full-time job that you want to highlight?
Yes, I have served Special Olympics International for over 40 years as a coach, volunteer, international board member and Global Ambassador. I am also currently the chair of the board of the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
