TLDR:
- Kristen Faulkner, a former venture capitalist, won a gold medal in cycling at the Paris Olympics.
- She overcame a career-threatening injury and left her finance career to pursue her passion for cycling.
Full Article:
Gold medalist Kristen Faulkner made history by winning the women’s road race at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first American rider to do so in 40 years. Faulkner, originally from Alaska, transitioned from rowing to competitive cycling in 2017 while working as a venture capitalist in New York.
Despite initially viewing her cycling commitment as a short-term detour, Faulkner left her finance career in early 2021 to focus on cycling full-time. She mentioned that her background in venture capital helped her assess risks and make strategic decisions during races.
After suffering a career-threatening injury from a car accident in California, Faulkner trained diligently to compete in the Olympics. She ultimately fulfilled her childhood dream by winning a gold medal in the 98-mile road race in Paris.
Looking ahead, Faulkner aims to secure a second Olympic medal in the team pursuit event. Her remarkable journey from finance to professional cycling demonstrates her resilience and determination in pursuing her passion for sports.
