Kristen Faulkner from Alaska made history on Sunday by becoming the first American to win a gold medal in Olympic road cycling since the success of Connie Carpenter and Alexis Grewal in 1984. By executing a definitive finishing maneuver, Faulkner emerged victorious in the race, characterized by many individual attacks.
At the 155-kilometer mark of the 158-kilometer race, Faulkner caught up to the leading trio consisting of Marianne Vos, Blanka Vas, and Lotte Kopecky. Faulkner’s assault temporarily caused her rivals to hesitate, enabling her to achieve triumph. With a look of shock, she triumphantly crossed the finish line fifty-eight seconds before Vos, Kopecky, and Vas. Vos ultimately sprinted to claim second place, with Kopecky completing the podium.
Faulkner became aware of her involvement in this event only a few weeks before it took place. Initially designated for the track competition, she substituted teammate Taylor Knibb in the road event after Knibb opted to choose triathlon.
Kristen Faulkner, from Alaska, started her cycling career later in life, distinguishing herself from other professional riders. After graduating from Harvard, where she excelled as a rower, she relocated to New York City and adopted cycling to maintain her physical fitness. At the beginning of her cycling experience, she faced difficulties with fundamental equipment problems, such as using cleats and pedals that did not fit.
Faulkner quickly achieved success, smoothly shifting from her position at a venture capital firm to beginning a professional racing career. She became successful internationally by winning the Tour de Suisse Women and the Giro d’Italia Donne. Her recent success with the EF-Oatly-Cannondale team, including winning the U.S. National Road Race Championship, led to her Olympic selection.
Despite being an underdog, Faulkner achieved a significant Olympic accomplishment through perseverance and strategy.
This news story was originally published by Bicycling.
