"If you encounter a bear, you have to solve that problem, otherwise the consequences are huge” - Kristen Faulkner reveals her path from Alaska to Olympic Gold

Kristen Faulkner etched her name in the history books with a stunning victory in the women’s road race at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Her gold medal was not just a triumph of cycling skills but also a reminder of the USA’s cycling ability, shaped by her upbringing in the challenging wilderness of Alaska.

In a conversation at the Geraint Thomas Cycling Club, Faulkner reflected on how her Alaskan roots influenced her cycling journey. "Alaska is a rough place to grow up," she shared. "I would go hiking with the family, and other times it would be just us and the kids. Sometimes it would be cold and rainy, sometimes you would have to sleep in your tent with wet clothes. Other times we would run out of food, or we would encounter bears.”

These early experiences taught Faulkner how to stay calm under pressure and solve problems in the face of danger. "There were a lot of situations where I was scared or nervous. I learned to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations, and you learn how to solve problems when you really have to," she explained. "If you encounter a bear, you have to solve that problem, otherwise the consequences are huge. Suddenly a flat tire doesn't seem so bad."

Even during the COVID outbreak in 2020, Faulkner continued cycling in Alaska, navigating the dual challenges of remote training and wildlife encounters. "I was biking in Alaska during the COVID outbreak in 2020. I had to carry bear spray with me all the time because I was constantly encountering bears on my bike," she recalled. "I remember one time I was riding into a dead end and there was a bear behind me. I was like, 'Uh oh, what am I doing now?' In theory, mountain biking in Alaska is great because there are so many forests. But there are a lot of bears. On a bike, you're going really fast and sudden, quick movements are what scares bears."