A three-time gold medal cyclist and University of Idaho alumna spoke about her experiences in the Olympics and offered insight to students about any possible obstacles in their lives.
Kristin Armstrong is one the most decorated U.S. women’s cyclists of all time and recorded the best timed trial in her sport. In her hour-long speech Wednesday, Armstrong told students of her failure in the 2004 Olympics and how she learned from that failure to ultimately succeed in three more Olympics.
Armstrong told students in her speech how she started from humble beginnings and worked her way up to the world’s largest athletic stage.
“I wasn’t a whole athlete or a holistic athlete,” Armstrong said. “You have to have a vision — I had a goal. You have to have the vision to make it to the next step.”
Armstrong said she learned from this failure and began to surround herself with a team. She said without her team supporting her, she would not have attained her gold medals.
Gavin Green | Argonaut
Kristin Armstrong, three-time olympic gold medalist, speaks about her experiences as a professional cyclist for the Margaret Ritchie Distinguished Speaker Series Wednesday night in the Agricultural Sciences building.
Armstrong gave students advice about how to be successful in their lives and how to become a successful athlete.
“More often of not, we learn about different aspects of holistic approach. However, you have to remember four key elements. Number one, you have to have a vision. Number two, you have to have a team in order to succeed, have a balanced approach. You have to have passion. Always end with passion. If passion goes away, you’re not going to succeed. The fourth is character. You have to have character,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong was asked to discuss how to become a holistic athlete and the different methods she uses in her profession.
“I hope in some way you were able to resonate and realize how a holistic approach can help you and others,” Armstrong said.
Katie Brown, assistant professor of nutrition in the school of family and consumer sciences, helped host this event as part of the Margaret Ritchie Distinguished Speaker Series.
“Students can learn from her, how they can learn from her experience to have a holistic approach to their own performance, whether it be sports performance or academic performance,” Brown said.
Brown said she was excited to have Armstrong speak, not only because she is a UI alumna, but also because of her ability to apply her experience to everyone, not just athletes.
The speaker series aims to honor the contributions of Margaret Ritchie, the former director and department head of the school of family and consumer sciences.
“Remember this: your body can control your mind, but don´t let it overtake you. You can control your mind through talking. I have a mantra when I am out there. I always ask myself, can I go harder? You have to keep your mind focused,” Armstrong said.
Cody Allred can be reached at [email protected]