lance armstrong statement to Kristen Faulkner’s Stunning Victory on gold medal for USA at the olympics

Kristen Faulkner’s Stunning Victory: A Historic Gold for Team USA

In a breathtaking display of grit and strategy, Kristen Faulkner clinched a historic victory in the women’s road race at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, delivering the USA its first gold medal in this event since Connie Carpenter’s triumph in Los Angeles in 1984.

Faulkner’s win was nothing short of remarkable, as she outpaced formidable competitors like Marianne Vos and Lotte Kopecky to seize the top podium spot.

Lance Armstrong, reflecting on the achievement in the latest episode of his podcast ‘The Move,’ expressed astonishment

at Faulkner’s journey. “What a story! She grew up in Homer, Alaska—like I thought that was a character on *The Simpsons*.

I didn’t even know it was a real place,” Armstrong said. Faulkner’s victory is not just a testament to her skill but also to her remarkable journey from a rower to an Olympic champion.

Faulkner’s path to cycling was unconventional. She transitioned from rowing to professional cycling later in her career, a move that Armstrong describes as “actually decent crossover sports-wise.” Leaving her job and dedicating herself fully to cycling, Faulkner’s dedication paid off spectacularly with her Olympic gold.

Armstrong praised Faulkner’s tactical acumen, noting, “It was strategic and tactical at the end, but there were no gifts there. Sometimes in a race like the Olympic Road Race, there can be some chance and some luck involved. But to be there with Lotte Kopecky and just put the hammer down was so impressive.”

Johan Bruyneel, a respected figure in cycling, emphasized Faulkner’s dominance. “She was the strongest by far,” Bruyneel stated.

“The race was essentially between Belgium and Holland, the two strong teams with the favorites. But Kristen Faulkner was there when the move went. She was the driving force.

When she goes, Kopecky could barely follow her, and you could clearly see that Kopecky only took a turn when Faulkner slowed down. There was no luck involved; she was clearly the strongest.”

Faulkner’s victory not only highlights her individual prowess but also marks a significant milestone for American cycling.

Her triumph is a celebration of perseverance and excellence, marking a memorable moment in Olympic history and inspiring future generations of athletes.