From Venture Capitalist to Olympic Gold Medalist: The Incredible Journey of Kristen Faulkner

Published: 2024-11-21

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Imagine transitioning from the fast-paced, high-pressure world of venture capital to the even more demanding stage of professional athletics, culminating in not one but two Olympic gold medals. Kristen Faulkner's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and unyielding determination. Her path from crunching spreadsheets in New York City to standing atop the Olympic podium in Paris 2024 is as unconventional as inspiring. Here’s a deep dive into her journey, filled with lessons for athletes, professionals, and dreamers alike.

The Early Days: Harvard, Rowing, and Venture Capital

Kristen graduated from Harvard in 2016, where she had been a competitive rower. After college, she joined Bessemer Venture Partners in New York City, diving into a demanding role as an analyst. “You’re fresh out of college, working 10 to 12 hours daily,” Kristen recalls. While her professional life was thriving, her transition to the concrete jungle of Manhattan left her yearning for the physical outlet she had during her rowing days.

2017, a women’s cycling clinic in Central Park reignited her athletic spirit. “Right away, I fell in love with it,” she says. Waking up at 4:30 a.m. to train before her day job, Kristen spent hours cycling laps in Central Park, followed by long workdays and late nights. Balancing a new sport and a demanding career required sacrifice;s weekends were spent racing instead of socializing, and winter mornings meant training on an indoor bike trainer while reviewing investment memos.

Kristen’s initial wins in local races hinted at her potential, but her growing passion for cycling spurred her to explore more significant opportunities. In 2018, she moved to California, drawn by better training conditions and the chance to work with a female venture capitalist mentor. Weekend races and grueling training schedules consumed her free time, leaving little room for leisure. Yet, the sacrifices started to pay off as she progressed to regional and professional races.

The Leap to Professional Cycling

The transition from venture capital to professional cycling was not immediate or accessible. Kristen joined a domestic pro team in 2020, balancing her job with racing by taking vacation days for competitions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted domestic racing schedules, pushing her to consider racing in Europe.

What followed was a test of her limits: working remotely part-time while participating in her first European stage races. Days started with early-morning Excel models on spotty Wi-Fi in a camper van, continued with grueling races, and ended with late-night board meetings. “It was the hardest month and a half of my life,” she says, recalling the challenges of juggling two demanding worlds.

Despite the difficulties, Kristen’s determination paid off. Winning a stage in a European race confirmed her potential to compete at the highest level. “I knew I could be competitive,” she says. With that validation, she made the bold decision to leave her job and pursue cycling full-time, fueled by a long-held dream of competing in the Olympics.

The Road to Paris: Training, Sacrifice, and Strategy

Kristen’s journey to the Olympics involved relentless training and strategic planning. From long endurance rides to high-intensity intervals, her regimen was tailored to peak during the season. She also emphasized the importance of recovery, including sleep, yoga, and balanced nutrition.

In the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics, Kristen’s experience racing in Europe proved invaluable. She honed her tactical awareness, analyzing race courses and crafting strategies to match her strengths. Her analytical background in venture capital translated seamlessly to cycling, allowing her to approach races with a calculated mindset.

The Paris 2024 Olympics: A Dream Realized

Kristen entered the women’s road cycling event as a relative newcomer to the sport but with a clear plan and unwavering confidence. “I didn’t come to participate; I came to medal,” she says. With a meticulously crafted strategy, she executed a decisive attack in the final stretch, leaving her competitors in the dust to claim the gold medal. Two days later, she led Team USA to victory in the team pursuit, securing her second gold medal.

Reflecting on her victories, Kristen emphasizes the intrinsic motivation that drove her. “The greatest source of pride is knowing that the ten-year-old girl inside me, who had a dream to go to the Olympics, made it happen,” she shares. Her story is not just about athletic success but also about staying true to oneself and pursuing a profoundly personal goal.

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Lessons from Kristen’s Journey

Kristen’s story offers valuable takeaways for anyone striving for excellence, whether in sports, business, or life:

Pursue What You’re Passionate About
Kristen’s success stems from her deep passion for cycling and venture capital. She believes intrinsic motivation is the key to achieving greatness. “If I didn’t feel passion for something, it was a sign I shouldn’t be doing it,” she explains.
Embrace Sacrifice
From early mornings to missed social events, Kristen made significant sacrifices to excel in cycling. Her journey highlights the importance of prioritizing long-term goals over short-term pleasures.
Balance Hard Work with Smart Planning
Kristen’s approach to training and racing was as strategic as her work in venture capital. Her ability to analyze race dynamics and execute precise tactics set her apart from competitors.
Stay Resilient in the Face of Challenges
Whether it was balancing two careers or overcoming injuries, Kristen’s resilience was crucial to her success. She approached setbacks as opportunities to grow and adapt.
Take the Leap When the Time is Right
Leaving a stable career to pursue a risky dream is daunting, but Kristen’s calculated approach—saving money, building a strong resume, and proving her potential—made the leap more manageable.

Beyond the Podium: Looking Ahead

While Kristen continues to focus on her cycling career, she hasn’t ruled out a return to venture capital or a foray into health and wellness. She’s also pursuing a master’s degree in nutrition, driven by her interest in the intersection of health, performance, and well-being. Kristen’s passion and determination ensure she will excel in whatever path she takes.

Kristen Faulkner’s journey from venture capital to Olympic gold is a story of courage, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of excellence. It reminds us that with passion, hard work, and strategic planning, it is possible to achieve even the loftiest of dreams. For athletes, professionals, and dreamers alike, Kristen’s story is a powerful testament to the rewards of following your heart and chasing your goals.