Kristen Faulkner's foray into competitive cycling began unexpectedly in 2016, driven by a desire for outdoor activity after her relocation to New York City for a venture capital role.

"It became my daily escape to ride in Central Park for a couple of hours away from the city's hustle," Faulkner shared with NBC News.

However, her initial experiences with cycling posed challenges. "I couldn't clip in," she recalled. "I started feeling embarrassed, wondering why it wasn't working. Eventually, we discovered it was because of incompatible cleats and pedals."

From these modest beginnings, Faulkner's cycling passion swiftly grew beyond a leisure activity. Progressing through New York City's local racing scene, she made her professional debut in 2020 and secured victory after just four stages.

Buoyed by her early achievements, Faulkner made a bold decision to leave her job and pursue cycling professionally in Europe. Notable highlights of her career include winning a stage at the 2021 Ladies Tour of Norway and earning gold at the 2023 Pan American Games.

Reflecting on her rapid rise, the 31-year-old attributes her success to a robust foundation from her background in rowing and other sports. "I brought a strong physical endurance that greatly benefited my cycling," she explained. "I also had a knack for learning quickly."

Growing up in a small Alaskan town, Faulkner's Olympic dreams were sparked while watching the 2000 Sydney Games. "Watching the Sydney Olympics on TV was an incredible experience," she recounted. "From then on, going to the Olympics became my life goal."

With the Paris Games on the horizon, Faulkner's aspirations extend beyond mere medal achievements. "I aim to win an Olympic medal," she stated to Olympics.com. "I also aspire to secure a world championship in the time trial and win a stage at the Tour de France. I have ambitious goals, don't I?"

Faulkner's journey is characterized by resilience in the face of adversity. "I would describe it as resilience," she affirmed. "I've endured a concussion and been hit by a car. Each time, I've never lost my determination to keep moving forward. It's never a question of whether I'll continue but how."

As she prepares to represent the United States at cycling's pinnacle events, Faulkner's unwavering determination underscores her dedication to achieving excellence both on and off the bike.