Olympic gold medal cyclist Kristin Armstrong rode with hundreds of riders down Capitol Boulevard Saturday. The ride, which started at the Boise Depot, was part of a special celebration to honor Armstrong for her second gold medal win in the individual time trial at the London Olympics. Saturday's celebration was also a birthday bash complete with cake for Armstrong's 39th birthday.
Idaho's governor declared August 11, 2012 Kristin Armstrong day. The president of the University of Idaho gave her the key to the campus, her alma matter. And Boise Mayor David Beiter presented her with a blue jersey for Lucas. On the back, it reads "honorary mayor."
The city also updated the sign on Bogus Basin road with her second Olympic win. Bogus Basic Road is known as the "Kristin Armstrong Bikeway" and the place where Armstrong spent a lot of time training on.
Mayor Bieter renamed the city's recreational youth scholarship program the " Kristin Armstrong Youth Scholarship." Every year, that program gives around 3,000 kids who need financial help, the money to participate in recreational programs.
He said he couldn't think of a better way to honor her. Four years ago when she won gold at the Beijing Olympics in the time trial, the mayor gave her a key to the city.
Armstrong, who crashed in the Olympic road race just days before the time trial, recalled what it was like to recover and be ready for her specialty event. She said she woke up with her legs feeling good the day of the time trial. During the 18 mile long individual race against the clock, Armstrong said "the crowds were so loud, I couldn't hear (her coach talking on the race radio)."
She told everyone about the dream she and her husband have shared - to see Armstrong on the podium with gold around her neck and her son Lucas sharing that moment with her. The tears came as Armstrong talked about that moment on the podium with Lucas.
Armstrong finished her speech and the ceremony was almost over when Armstrong quickly came back to the microphone to say she'd forgot one thing. People cheered as she waved her gold medal in the air.
Copyright 2012 Boise State Public Radio