Haley Batten on growing up in Park City and her road to Olympic Silver

Haley Batten at the Winter Forum held at Stein Erickson Lodge on Nov. 1, 2024. Photo: TownLift // Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau

PARK CITY, Utah — Olympic mountain biker Haley Batten returned to her hometown Friday, recounting her journey from childhood rides in Park City to winning silver on the world stage during a conversation at the Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau’s 2024 Tourism Fall Forum. Batten, who medaled at the Paris Olympics, traced her progression from junior competitions to Olympic podiums, attributing her success to the supportive community, the expansive network of local trails, and the culture of outdoor sports that defines Park City.

“Being back here in Park City, where it all started, feels surreal,” Batten shared. “I was 14 years old when I set that goal. I was living here in Park City, surrounded by Olympic training centers, and I loved nordic ski racing and skiing. Those winter sports were a huge part of my training. I had this incredible culture and community supporting me.”

Batten’s story is rooted in Park City’s landscape, where access to diverse trails fueled her development as a cyclist. She began riding with her family, often during late evening hours. “I remember so many busy days riding with my dad after school,” she said. “We’d put lights on and head out at sunset, riding the trails. Eventually, it became just me out there alone, finding this incredible sense of freedom and independence.” She credited the environment and community’s “pursuit of excellence” as pivotal in shaping her ambitions. “Living in an environment like this — that pursuit of excellence — was what lit my fire to not just ride, but to be able to perform at the highest level.”

As Batten recounted her Olympic journey, she noted that the resilience and determination she learned in Park City served her well on race day, particularly in overcoming obstacles like a flat tire during her medal-winning performance. “You lean on everything you’ve learned in moments like that — focus, resilience, and that mountain mindset,” she said. “Here, you learn to adapt. Park City makes you resourceful.”

Batten contrasted her experiences at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, describing how she grew as an athlete and learned to handle the pressures of elite competition. “Tokyo was a learning experience. Paris felt like everything coming together, like I was finally prepared for anything,” she said. The preparation required not only technical training but also mental focus — tools she plans to carry into the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where she’s now aiming for gold.

Reflecting on Park City’s unique advantages for young athletes, Batten expressed gratitude for the breadth of resources and opportunities available to budding cyclists. “I hope young riders here now realize how special it is. There’s an Olympic center, ski jumps, Nordic trails, and hundreds of miles of trails,” she said. “I’ve traveled all over, and every time I come back here, I think, ‘They have it really good.’ The variety here — mountain terrain, bike parks, Deer Valley — it helps young riders find their place in the sport and see that growth in themselves.”

For Batten, her achievements are about more than medals; they’re about sharing the journey with her community. “The medals and wins are great, but it really comes down to sharing the whole process with people close to you,” she said. “It’s the best part when you make a goal, work toward it with everyone fully invested, and then celebrate together. The hard things, the really cool things, they don’t mean much alone.”

As Batten looked ahead, she expressed her commitment to mentoring the next generation of athletes in Park City, a place she feels continues to support growth in young people. “I think what sport teaches is excellence. It allows you to know what you need to excel, and it challenges you in ways that are beneficial outside of sports, too. Park City continues to make those connections — not just in sports but also in school and life.”

Batten said she is planning to spend more time in Park City in and around her race schedule moving forward.

Asked about her favorite trail, she quickly chose Armstrong Trail, especially when the fall foliage is at its peak.