Farrington's journey from the ranch to the Olympic podium had a magical run this year. Farrington, 24, made the team in a final qualifying event after years of injuries and surgeries. Her victory Wednesday was even more special, considering the three competitors finishing behind her were all previous Olympic champions. Australia's Torah Bright (2010 gold medalist) took the silver, American Kelly Clark (2002 gold medalist) won the bronze, and American Hannah Teter (winner at the 2006 games) finished in fourth.

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Farrington's push to the Games was supported by neighbors in the cattle industry, as "weekly livestock auctions helped support her pursuit of the sport."

The Idaho Statesman reported today that support for Farrington from her Wood River Valley neighbors runs deep. Andy Gilbert, the Sun Valley coach who trained Farrington in her early years, said her ranch-upbringing was evident in her tough approach to the sport. USA Today further outlined how Farrington's parents made their livestock dollar stretch a little more toward a gold medal, and additional details about her rodeo background.

"She came to us with kind of that Idaho ranch girl attitude," Gilbert said. "She was extremely tough. She’d take falls and we’d say, 'Ooh, her day is over.' And she’d get up and take 10 more."

And Yahoo's Jeff Passan did an excellent story about the Farrington family and her parents' dedication to her Olympic goal.

Read more about Farrington's competitive bio on the Sochi Olympic site.