Two-time Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong, a cyclist specializing in the individual women’s time trial, “will head to the Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro with the apparent distinction of being the first athlete ever sponsored by a crop bred using biotechnology,” says Capital Press. Armstrong is backed by Simplot Plant Sciences, the developer of potatoes genetically engineered to resist browning and bruising.
When Armstrong, 43, is not competing, she will pose for photos in a White Russet jersey, the marketing name for the GMO potatoes, and she’ll assist Simplot with a social media presence, according to a spokesman for Simplot, based in Boise, Idaho. Capital Press said Armstrong, who works for a Boise hospital, typically includes potatoes in her meals before racing.
Armstrong won the gold medal in the time trial at the 2012 games in London and in the 2008 games in Beijing. For the time trial set for Aug. 10, competitors vie for the fastest time over 29.8 kilometers (18.5 miles) in Rio.