Meghan O’Leary is a 2016 Olympian, 2017 World Championship silver medalist, and five-time National Team member with the United States Rowing Team. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she was a two-sport student athlete (Volleyball, Softball) and Jefferson Scholar at the University of Virginia. After obtaining both her Bachelor’s (CLAS ’07) and Master’s (M.Ed ’08) from UVA, she went on to begin a career with ESPN in the Content Production and Programming Departments.

In 2010, Meghan’s career took a dramatic turn after picking up rowing for the first time and falling in love with the sport. After just one year of rowing, she was invited to join the USRowing National Training Center in Princeton, New Jersey. During her time with the National Team, Meghan continued to work part-time with ESPN through the spring of 2013, until deciding to pursue her Olympic rowing career full-time.

Meghan is a three-time World Cup medalist, five-time National Selection Regatta Champion, and has competed in four world championships. At the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, she finished sixth in the women’s double sculls with her partner, Ellen Tomek.

Outside of rowing, Meghan is a professional motivational speaker and entrepreneur. She is the Vice President at InstaViser, where she oversees the Customer Success and Marketing divisions. She is an advocate for women in sports and equality, serving as an ambassador for the Women’s Sports Foundation. Meghan also serves as a Director on the USRowing Board of Directors.

2017 | World Championship Silver Medalist, W2x

2017 | U.S. Lotman Challenge Third Place, W1x

2016 | Olympic Finalist, W2x

2016 | U.S. Olympic Trials Champion, W2x

2015 | World Cup II Silver Medalist, W2x

2014 | World Cup II Silver Medalist, W2x

2013 | World Cup III Bronze Medalist, W2x

2012 | U.S. Olympic Trials 5th Place, W1x