2008 Woodie Awards
Armstrong Retiring
Elyse Harrell Staff Reporter
Issue date: 4/7/05 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
Lance Armstrong, a name that is synonymous with the Tour de France, has overcome many obstacles in his life. After winning 6 straight tours in row, this year may be his last on the tour.
In 1996, just after being ranked the number 1 cyclist in the world, he was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer. In the years that followed he was put through rigorous treatment, and survived despite the fifty-fifty chance for recovery.
This opened up Armstrong's mind and new goals were set. Particularly in 1999, he set out to complete the Tour de France, the year before he tried and failed to even finish the course. In 1999 however he completed and won the Tour.
This win set the path for 5 more consecutive wins on the tour in and so much more. In a span of six years he accomplished much more then the average cancer survivor. He has been awarded with just about every sports honor, and he has become a beacon of hope for millions.
"He is a role model, he stands for something that he believes in firmly," said Kelly McGovern (sophomore, Cranford, NJ) "He is a better role model then a baseball player. For example, he donates his own money to a start and continue to fund cause that a lot of people are affected by and can really benefit from."
Armstrong also founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF), whose main purpose is to provide useful information that people need to battle cancer. The well known slogan of the LAF is 'Livestrong'. The foundation has raised and donated well over 9 million dollars toward cancer survivorship and testicular cancer research, and more then 40 million people wear the Livestrong wristbands in support of people living with cancer.
"I wear the wristband because it supports a worthy cause," said Jennifer Blake (sophomore, Rocky Point, NY).
"I wear it because it helps support the people who suffer from cancer, and I think it is much more then just a fashion statement," said Dana Rinaldi (sophomore, Miller Place, NY).
There is talk of this year being Armstrong's last Tour de France. Many people have different views on this.
"I think he will do another one," said Rinaldi, "Why stop now? He has come so far in his career."
"I think it will be his last," said McGovern, "He is getting older now, and a body can only take so much. I think he has other plans, he made the Tour de France as popular as it is today, so I think he could make other races popular as well, but he missed out on those other races because he was always training for the Tour de France."
He is an icon for athletes across the globe. His name is a symbol of overcoming obstacles that in some peoples eyes are impossible. He brings a new hope for thousands of cancer patients, bike riders and everyday people.
If this is his last year riding on the Tour de France, he has not left empty handed. His legacy will be difficult to out shine.
In 1996, just after being ranked the number 1 cyclist in the world, he was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer. In the years that followed he was put through rigorous treatment, and survived despite the fifty-fifty chance for recovery.
This opened up Armstrong's mind and new goals were set. Particularly in 1999, he set out to complete the Tour de France, the year before he tried and failed to even finish the course. In 1999 however he completed and won the Tour.
This win set the path for 5 more consecutive wins on the tour in and so much more. In a span of six years he accomplished much more then the average cancer survivor. He has been awarded with just about every sports honor, and he has become a beacon of hope for millions.
"He is a role model, he stands for something that he believes in firmly," said Kelly McGovern (sophomore, Cranford, NJ) "He is a better role model then a baseball player. For example, he donates his own money to a start and continue to fund cause that a lot of people are affected by and can really benefit from."
Armstrong also founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF), whose main purpose is to provide useful information that people need to battle cancer. The well known slogan of the LAF is 'Livestrong'. The foundation has raised and donated well over 9 million dollars toward cancer survivorship and testicular cancer research, and more then 40 million people wear the Livestrong wristbands in support of people living with cancer.
"I wear the wristband because it supports a worthy cause," said Jennifer Blake (sophomore, Rocky Point, NY).
"I wear it because it helps support the people who suffer from cancer, and I think it is much more then just a fashion statement," said Dana Rinaldi (sophomore, Miller Place, NY).
There is talk of this year being Armstrong's last Tour de France. Many people have different views on this.
"I think he will do another one," said Rinaldi, "Why stop now? He has come so far in his career."
"I think it will be his last," said McGovern, "He is getting older now, and a body can only take so much. I think he has other plans, he made the Tour de France as popular as it is today, so I think he could make other races popular as well, but he missed out on those other races because he was always training for the Tour de France."
He is an icon for athletes across the globe. His name is a symbol of overcoming obstacles that in some peoples eyes are impossible. He brings a new hope for thousands of cancer patients, bike riders and everyday people.
If this is his last year riding on the Tour de France, he has not left empty handed. His legacy will be difficult to out shine.