Lance+Armstrong's+Amazing+Race

On September 18, 1971, a soon-to-be world famous athlete was born in Plano, Texas. At the age of seven, Lance Armstrong received his first bike from his mother, and after that much of his time was devoted to cycling, swimming, running, and participating in several athletic events in which proved that he was indeed a natural athlete. His success and victories in triathlons got Armstrong noticed by the United States Olympic development team, and as a senior at the Plano East High School, he began training for the Olympics in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Just a year after he graduated high school by taking make-up classes, in 1990 Armstrong became the U.S. National Amateur Champion. Two years later he turned professional, and his career after that consisted of both many triumphs and many disappointments. After competing in several events, the next to come was the event that would eventually make Armstrong one of the most popular athletes of the time—the Tour de France. This three-week, 2,287-mile race that takes place in twenty stages in which the bicyclists race through the winding countryside and up and down steep mountains is considered one of the most prestigious

cycling events in the world. Mark Gorski, manager of the United States Postal Service cycling team said to Thomas Sanction of //Time Magazine// that "The Tour de France is like running a marathon every day for twenty days. Very few sporting events are that demanding." Despite its physically challenge, the twenty-one year old’s tenacious spirit took on the challenge confidently. He did not finish the race, but years later he competed in the same event, this time finishing thirty-sixth.

The year of 1996 changed Armstrong’s life in ways that he never could have imagined. At the top of his game, he won his second Tour DuPont and signed a $2 million contract with the French-based Cofidis racing team. Then came an unexpected twist on things. After complaining about pain in his testicles and coughing up blood, the cyclist was diagnosed with testicular cancer on October 2 of that year. With less than a 40% chance recovery, the cancer spread throughout his body, reaching his lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, and brain. Armstrong had never let any speed bumps interfere with his cycling career before, and he battled cancer with the same attitude.

Despite changing his diet, enduring surgery to remove his brain tumors, and going through chemotherapy, Armstrong did not cut out riding from his daily life. His hard work paid off when, in 1997, he was free of cancer. He told //Time Magazine// in 1999, "I had the same emotions when I was sick as I have as a competitive athlete. At first I was angry, then I felt motivated and driven to get better. And then when I knew I was getting better, I knew I was winning." Although he felt emotionally weak, he went on to take on every Tour de France over the next five years. And on July 25, 2004, he set a new Tour de France record by taking home the top prize for the sixth consecutive year. Questionable as to whether Armstrong would compete in the 2005 event, he pushed for a seventh year, and on July 24, 2005, Armstrong won another Tour de France victory, setting yet another record.

 Fans lined the sidelines, waving flags and cheering for the spectacular comeback of Armstrong’s recovery from cancer. Benefits, charities, and millions of dollars of donations went to support Armstrong’s battle with cancer, making him one of the most popular athletes of all time. Millions purchased and sported yellow bracelets with the logo “Livestrong” on them in support of Armstrong’s amazing journey. Armstrong revealed on his foundation's website, "I think the color yellow stands for hope and courage and inspiration, and that's why I'm never taking mine off,” and for a while, supports of Armstrong kept them on as well. The emotional ride of his life contributed to Armstrong’s inspiration in millions of people, especially those with cancer who were low on faith and hope of recovery. "Armstrong is an amazing motivator. He represents a gold standard you can aim for, an ideal to strive for," says Tyler Farrar, 21-year old member of US National Team. That same year, another miraculous team would inspire millions of people and instill hope and faith that improvement does indeed come from persistence, drive, and motivation.