Sept. 18: A Recap of Lance Armstrong’s Tarnished Reputation on His 52nd Birthday

Although Armstrong's reputation took a huge hit after the doping scandal, he remains a complicated figure who has inspired both admiration and scorn.

On September 18, 2023, Lance Armstrong turns 52. For some, mentioning his name conjures memories of seven Tour de France wins and the bright yellow wristbands that became ubiquitous across the globe. But for others, it brings to mind a different story—deceit, doping, and tarnished legacies.

The small-town guy

Looking back at Armstrong's rise to cycling superstardom, it's hard not to be impressed. The Texan's journey from small-town triathlete to world-renowned cyclist is a true rags-to-riches story. In 1993, at just 21 years old, he became the youngest-ever World Road Race Champion. Over the next few years, he racked up an impressive collection of wins and accolades.

In 1999, he claimed his first Tour de France title, launching a record-breaking run of seven consecutive victories. But behind the glory, something darker was at play. Armstrong and his team were rumoured to have been using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) for years. Armstrong was vehement in his denials, famously telling talk show host Oprah Winfrey that he had never doped.

However, in 2012, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) released a report accusing Armstrong of orchestrating "the most sophisticated, professionalised, and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen." The evidence against him was damning—testimonies from teammates, a failed drug test from 1999, and more. In 2013, Armstrong finally confessed, saying, "I view this situation as one big lie that I repeated a lot of times."

Change of course, thanks to doping charges

Of course, Armstrong was far from the only cyclist caught doping during this time. Doping was, and still is, a rampant problem in professional cycling. However, Armstrong's case was unique in the scale of his success and the lengths he went to conceal his drug use. Armstrong and his team went to great lengths to cover up his doping, including using a complex system of blood transfusions and engaging in witness intimidation.

For many fans of cycling and sports in general, Armstrong's doping scandal was a devastating blow. He had been a hero to many, inspiring cancer survivors and athletes alike. The LiveStrong foundation he founded in 1997 had raised millions for cancer research and had become a symbol of hope. Now, all of that felt tainted.

So, what can we say about Armstrong's legacy now, as he celebrates his 52nd birthday? It's a complicated question, but there are a few things to consider.

The tarnished legacy of Lance

On one hand, it's hard to look at Armstrong's achievements without feeling a sense of disillusionment. Those seven Tour de France titles, which once seemed like the pinnacle of sporting achievement, are now a source of shame. His rise to the top of cycling, once seen as the triumph of a gritty underdog, now looks like the result of cheating and manipulation.

On the other hand, there's no denying Armstrong's positive impact on the world outside of sports. His LiveStrong foundation has done great work, funding cancer research and supporting survivors. His advocacy work around the disease has been substantial, too, helping to raise awareness and destigmatize the illness.

Armstrong's journey from hero to villain and back again has been long and difficult, but it's a story that is far from over.