American mountain biker Haley Batten made history at the Olympics in France by winning a silver medal in the women’s mountain biking cross-country event. This achievement marked the best finish for an American mountain biker in the sport’s Olympic history. However, Batten’s success was not without a cost, as she was fined $565 for breaking a rule on the final lap of the race.
During the race, Batten was jockeying for second place with Sweden’s Jenny Rissveds when she mistakenly went through a lane meant for taking in food or stopping for mechanical problems. Despite the infraction, officials decided that Batten’s actions did not warrant disqualification, but she was still fined for failing to “respect the instructions of the race organization or commissaries.”
Batten, who also survived a tire puncture during the race, expressed her dedication to the sport and her preparation leading up to the Olympics. She emphasized the mental challenges of performing at the highest level and competing against the best in the world.
With her silver medal win, Batten joined a small group of American mountain bikers who have medaled at the Olympics, with only two other bronze medalists in the sport’s history. Despite the challenges she faced during the race, Batten’s determination and focus helped her secure a spot on the podium.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital for more sports coverage and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
