Two-time Olympic gold medalist Kristen Faulkner joins John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast to remind us that with passion, dedication and focus, we can accomplish monumental things.
Kristen Faulkner is the American cyclist that shocked the world when she won a gold medal in the women’s road race at the 2024 Paris Olympics — an event she wasn’t even supposed to compete in. In a field of veteran riders, Kristen became the first American woman in 40 years to earn Team USA a gold medal in that sport.
Today, Kristen shares how she carries the lessons she learned while growing up in Homer, Alaska, how she celebrated what made her different than her classmates after she moved to a boarding school on the East Coast, and what moments led her to leave her career as a venture capitalist to pursue a career in professional cycling. Plus, Kristen shares her 2024 Paris Olympics experience and how she carefully analyzed the course, her competitors, and her ability to confidently race across the finish line.
My friends, if you need a reminder that with passion, dedication and focus, you can accomplish monumental things, this conversation is for you.
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SHOW NOTES:
- Growing up in Homer, Alaska, Kristen and her family would take seven-day hikes (sometimes with just her younger brother and older sister!) which taught her a love for the outdoors, a level of self-sufficiency and a level of problem solving.
- For a kid having big dreams and big imagination, Kristen attended a boarding school in Massachusetts where she was exposed to everything she hadn’t been exposed to in Alaska including international classmates and unique courses.
- “It really taught me how to interact with people who were so different from me, appreciate those differences and be so curious about those differences.”
- “Human beings, no matter where you are in the world, no matter where you’re from, everyone can find something to connect over.”
- Outdoorsy meets venture capitalist meets athlete: Kristen recognizes a common thread throughout her life of being part of different social groups without being a part of any one of them because they all bring out different parts of her identity.
- By investing in the things where she felt alive, Kristen went from running in Central Park, to building an entire life focused around cycling – even when she felt the pressure to be a “typical 20-something” in New York City.
- Many moments stacked on top of each other that led Kristen to leave her career in venture capital to pursue a career in professional cycling. By 2021, she was able to race and train more but more effectively, Kristen was able to dedicate time towards making cycling a priority.
- Already slated to represent USA in the 2024 Olympics in Paris for the Cycling Team Pursuit, Kristen was also offered to compete in the Road Race. The day before the race, after carefully analyzing the course, her competitors and her abilities, Kristen decided to compete in the Road Race with confidence it would not fatigue her for the Team Pursuit just days later. With USA Cycling estimating she had a six-percent chance of medaling, Kristen knew she’d have to perform to her highest ability while tapping into extensive strategy.
- “I’m proud of myself for having the courage to do something that a lot of people told me wouldn’t work out.”
- “The race is won at the end, not the beginning.”
- Feel that you can’t accomplish something like Kristen? She reminds us that in bringing a level of passion, dedication, and focus on the trajectory, we can accomplish monumental things.
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with 12-time Olympic medalist, swimmer Dara Torres. Dara made history as the first American swimmer to compete in five Olympic Games and again as the oldest swimmer to win an Olympic medal at age 41 in 2008. Hear her share the “heart-racing, thrilling” feeling of earning her first medal in 1984, what it felt like to defy expectations with two comebacks and how she balanced her career while being a mother. Listen to Dara Torres on ep. 360.
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KRISTEN FAULKNER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. I was fearless. I had no self doubt and believe anything was possible. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. My gold medals. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. My mom and dad. My boyfriend. People I care about. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. Don't listen to the naysayers. Follow your heart, do what you believe in and don't let other people bring you down. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Doors will open up in areas you pursue. If you want to be successful in something, pursue that. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. Dare to dream big, work hard and believe in yourself.
