Kristin Armstrong graduated from the University of Idaho 22 years ago but her legacy will last forever following the dedication of a part of Paradise Path. The dedication ceremony was held in her honor before the football game with remarks from University of Idaho President Chuck Staben, Moscow Mayor Bill Lambert and Armstrong herself.
Armstrong became a University of Idaho graduate from the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences in 1995. Armstrong pursued a career in sports medicine after graduation but found success as an athlete herself. She claimed her first gold medal in the cycling time trial at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and again at the 2012 London Olympics. Armstrong spent a brief period of time in retirement before returning to take one last shot at the 2016 Rio Olympics where she claimed her third gold medal.
Staben opened the dedication ceremony with praise for Armstrong and her accomplishments both as an athlete and as a member of the Vandal family.
Staben said in the ceremony her decision to further push herself and represent team USA and the University of Idaho captures the Vandal spirit.
“Obviously she didn’t have to,” Staben said of Armstrong’s choice to come out of retirement. “She had her legacy of gold medal excellency already and she had personal and professional commitments here in Idaho, but she wanted to push herself farther for just one more challenge. That’s the spirit we have as Vandals, and that I want us as a university to continue to nurture.”
Armstrong said she did not go back for another medal or another dedication, yet the dedication of Paradise Path holds more significance in her life.
“I am always used to having things named after people who are not around anymore,” she said. “They are not actually around to enjoy the spirit of what dedications mean. I’ve had a couple dedications down in the Treasure Valley presented to me over the last years in my career, and to have one up in northern Idaho is quite inspirational.”
She said she recalled her time as a Vandal with nothing but fond memories, even recognizing that those who knew her then may never have expected to see her name on an Idaho plaque.
The ceremony ended on an inspirational note from the Olympian. Armstrong said it is important to always believe in yourself and work for what you want.
“I didn’t come here to be an athlete,” she said. “I was an athlete all my life, I tried to be an athlete here, I didn’t enjoy it any longer. I got into intramurals, and I graduated and got a normal job. And what I want people to know is that no matter what you believe in doing, no matter what you think you’re going to be doing you just don’t know. But with strong character you can become anything you want.”
Meredith Spelbring can be reached at [email protected]