2-time Olympic gold medalist Kristen Faulkner returns home to Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - It was a hero’s homecoming for two-time Olympic gold medalist Kristen Faulkner, who returned to Alaska for the first time Friday since her wildly successful Paris Olympics campaign.

“It is just so special,“ Faulkner said after touching down at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Friday afternoon. “My family was all here and welcoming me, and to be home is one thing, and then to be welcomed by the community is just a whole ‘nother level.

“I just feel so happy to be home and I’ve been wanting to be home since the Olympics, so to be here finally is so special.”

Faulkner, who just celebrated her 32nd birthday on Wednesday, became the first Alaskan this summer to win multiple Summer Olympic gold medals with victories in the women’s road race and the women’s Team Pursuit events.

In the road race — her specialty — Faulkner broke away from a small group of riders in the final mile to stake her claim as the first American to win the road race in 40 years.

She’s home for the holidays and will make her way down to Homer where a large community event is planned, and while looking forward to connecting with old friends and family, there’s something particular that Faulkner is focused on.

“Alaska salmon for dinner and a home-cooked meal from my parents, and maybe curling up by the fire,” she replied when asked what she was looking forward to the most.

“And we always read the Grinch and the Night Before Christmas before Christmas.”

Set to leave before New Year’s Eve, Faulkner plans to pack a lot into her short trip.

And for those curious, she plans to continue training in Homer, just like she did ahead of the Paris Olympics.

“I’ll be training on an indoor bike and I’ll be doing some cross-training as well ... do some skiing, maybe some gym work,” she said. “I heard that I might ride a fat [tire] bike as well, a little bit on the snow or on the beach, so I’m excited for that.”

There’s plenty to be excited for and to celebrate this holiday season for the Faulkners and the City of Homer. And Kristen Faulkner, staying humble, said she’s grateful for the community love that she’s received.

“I love Alaska, and every time I come home I love it more and more,” she said. “Thank you for all the support this summer and now, and happy holidays.”

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