To Inspire:

NBC News

Have you been keeping up on Kristin Faulkner, 31, the Harvard rower turned cyclist who has captured two gold medals for the United States? She and three teammates won our country’s first ever Olympic gold in the women’s team pursuit cycling event. And earlier this week she won the road cycling race through the streets of Paris, becoming the first American to win a road race medal in 40 years. And the amazing fact is that Kristin has only been cycling for a few years and didn’t even initially qualify for the Olympics – she was tapped by USA Cycling less than a month ago to fill in for another athlete, Taylor Knibb, who wanted to focus on the triathlon.

Kristin picked up cycling as a hobby while living in New York in 2017. She didn’t go pro until a few years ago. And last Sunday she finished 58 seconds ahead of one of the greatest female cyclists of all time. And at an age when most world class cyclists are considering retirement, Kristin is just getting started.

Paul Murphy, Faulkner’s former high school coach at Phillips Academy, just returned from wishing her luck in Paris. “She seemed really just happy and ready to go, and talking about how much she loved her sport and her team and the training. I knew she was a great athlete but tears are running down my face because it’s just this hugely emotional experience where this person you know, this incredible human being, is out there doing great things in a sport she took up only a few years ago.”

Kristin’s feat is a reminder for the rest of us that we’re never too old to pick up a new hobby, sport, or endeavor. Reflect deeply on the life you want to live and pursue your dreams with gusto. Pastor and best-selling author Rick Warren once said that “our dreams often come from God. If they give you joy and serve others, you can trust that He’s involved. Pursue them with determination and discipline and watch what happens!”

Couldn’t have said it better myself. Happy dreaming!

Written by Matt Palmer, Partner & Co-Founder