PARIS—With the Eiffel Tower behind her and the sun blazing at the Paris Olympics, Kristen Faulkner stood on the platform with her palm on her heart during the American national anthem.
She closed her eyes as the magnitude of her women's road race win sank in.
Former Harvard rower Faulkner became the first American rider in 40 years to win a medal in the event after being substituted for the Olympic team.
She attacked against much more experienced cyclists with great timing.
Dutch rider Marianne Vos was one of the greatest female cyclists ever.
It’s a dream come true,” Faulkner added. “The best feeling in the world. Not sure how to explain.
In just under four hours, Faulkner completed the 158-kilometer (98-mile) trek from Paris to the Trocadéro.
Faulkner finished 58 seconds ahead of Vos, Lotte Kopecky of Belgium, and Blanka Vas of Hungary, who were separated by a photo finish with Vos winning silver and Kopecky bronze.