Kristin Armstrong - Alumni “Distinguished Idahoan Award”

UI alumna Kristin Armstrong of Boise is a competitive cyclist and two-time Olympic gold medalist — the only Idahoan to claim that distinction. Armstrong, who graduated from UI in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in sports physiology, claimed the top prize in the women’s individual time trial for road racing in the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and again in 2012 in London.

Before becoming one of the world’s top competitive road cyclists, Armstrong was a runner, swimmer and triathlete. In 1999 she competed in the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. In 2001 at age 27, Armstrong was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in her hips, which forced her to move away form high-impact activities such as running. She became passionate about cycling and by 2003 was recognized as one of the top American cyclists.

Armstrong’s list of career achievements include a 2005 bronze world championship, 2006 world time trial championship, 2007 silver world championships and 2009 world time trial championship.

Armstrong placed eighth in the Athens Olympics in 2004, returning in 2008 to take gold. In 2009, she took a break from competition to give birth to her first child, Lucas. She returned to competitive road cycling in 2010, and again took the gold medal for the women’s time trial at the 2012 London Olympics. She also was the oldest rider to win an Olympic time trial. She officially retired from competitive racing after the 2012 games.

She was the commencement speaker at UI in 2010.

Armstrong co-owns K-Edge Cycling Solutions and serves as a community health ambassador for St. Luke’s Health System, the only Idaho-based nonprofit health system. Her vision is to make Idaho one of the healthiest places to live in the country.