Underdog is an understatement for Kristen Faulkner, the American cyclist who didn't even qualify for the Olympics but is now going home with a gold medal after a shocking race through Paris on Sunday.
She is the first American woman to win gold in the women’s road race since 1984.
Kristen Faulkner of Team United States celebrates winning gold at the finish line during the Women's Road Race on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on Aug. 4, 2024.
Though spectators might be shocked that she walked away with a medal on Sunday, Faulkner knew she had it in her.
“I want to win a medal at the Olympics,” she said.
Persons:
Kristen Faulkner, Faulkner, Tim de Waele, Taylor Knibb, Faulkner didn't, It's, Olympics.com, “, ”, don’t
Organizations:
Team United States, Olympic Games, Getty, Team USA, Harvard University, NBC News, Tour de France
Locations:
Paris, New York City, Homer , Alaska, New York