A crowd of about 1,000 filled Boise's Capitol Park on Saturday afternoon to honor two-time Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong and celebrate the cyclist's 39th birthday.

An emotional Armstrong cried several times during her speech, which chronicled her chase for the gold earlier this month at the London Games.

"One of my fears before I competed was what would happen if I didn't get on that podium. How would I come home?" Armstrong said. "I know how I'd come home. I'd come home with all of you welcoming me home, whether I won or whether I was fifth."

Boise presented Armstrong with a racing jersey for her son Lucas, who turns 2 in September. On the back of the jersey, it said "Honorary Mayor." The city also remade the sign for "Kristin Armstrong Bikeway," which is on Bogus Basin Road. The sign was updated with her London gold.

Boise also renamed its recreational scholarship program for kids the "Kristin Armstrong Youth Scholarship." The city awards about 3,000 scholarships worth about $150,000 to children who want to participate in recreational sports programs but need financial assistance.

"I can't think of a better way to honor you Kristin," Mayor Dave Bieter said.

Armstrong, a Boise resident and University of Idaho graduate, also received a key to the Moscow campus from Idaho President Duane Nellis.

"You have added a whole new meaning to what it means to be Vandal Gold," Nellis said.

Said Armstrong, upon receiving the key: "If only I were to have this when I was actually in college, we'd all be in trouble."

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter and first lady Lori Otter also attended the event. Butch Otter read a proclamation making Aug. 11, 2012 "Kristin Armstrong Day" in the state. Lori Otter led the crowd in singing "Happy Birthday."