The community of Homer will host a special welcome home reception for Kristen Faulkner, the two-time Olympic gold medal cyclist. Faulkner made history this year at the Paris Olympics, winning gold medals in both the Women’s Individual Road Race and the Women’s Track Team Pursuit. Her triumph in the Women’s Road Race was especially historic, marking the United States’ first Women’s Road Race gold in 40 years.
“We finally were able to get the date nailed down. That’s been the lingering thing to make sure she’s going to be here during that time period,” said Homer Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Brad Anderson. “So we got it all nailed down, and the program’s coming together.”
The reception, organized by the Homer Chamber of Commerce, the City of Homer, Land’s End Resort, and the Homer Cycling Club, will take place on Friday, Dec. 27, at 3:00 p.m. at the Homer High School Mariner Theatre. It will offer the Homer community and anyone else who wishes to attend a chance to celebrate Kristen’s achievements and hear her inspiring story.
Kristen will share her unconventional journey to earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic Cycling Team and what it took to win two gold medals. She will also speak about her passion for encouraging young people to get involved in sports and community activities, stressing the importance of embracing opportunities that can lead to unexpected and life-changing paths.
“She’s the first woman to win a gold medal in two different [cycling] disciplines in the same Olympics,” said Anderson. “She was quite the record-setter.”
Born and raised in Homer, Kristen is the daughter of Sara and Jon Faulkner.
In a press release, the Homer Chamber of Commerce said, “Growing up in this small coastal community, Kristen learned the value of hard work while working at her parents’ hotel. Her love for the outdoors blossomed through summers spent hiking, fishing, and competing in local swim meets—experiences that played a pivotal role in shaping the athlete she is today.”
“The Homer community looks forward to welcoming Kristen back home to celebrate her remarkable achievements and inspire the next generation of athletes,” the press release added.