Kristen Faulkner: A Rising Star in Cycling

Kristen Faulkner, a 31-year-old Alaska native, has made a name for herself in the world of cycling. Her journey to the Olympics is nothing short of extraordinary, as she did not start biking until after college. Faulkner's determination and hard work paid off when she won the gold medal in the women's road race at the Paris Olympics.

Faulkner's victory marked a historic moment for the United States, as she became the first American to win a road race medal of any color since the 1984 LA Games. Her incredible performance was a testament to her skill and strategy, as she timed her attack to perfection, leaving her competitors in the dust.

The 158-kilometer route, which started and finished in Paris, took Faulkner just under four hours to complete. She crossed the finish line at the Trocadéro, 58 seconds ahead of Dutch rider Marianne Vos, who took silver, and Lotte Kopecky of Belgium, who clinched the bronze.

Faulkner's win was a surprise to many, as she had ended her job as a venture capitalist in 2021 to pursue training full-time. Her decision paid off, and she can now look forward to defending her medal at the 2028 LA Olympics.

With her magnificent performance, Faulkner has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of cycling. Her dedication and perseverance have inspired many, and she is sure to be a name to watch in the coming years.