By Jeremy Hannaford (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: January 30, 2013
Athletes have taken centre stage in the tabloids recently and not necessarily in a positive way. With Tiger Woods’ infamous affairs, the unnecessary NHL lockout and now, Lance Armstrong admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs, the image of the sporting world has definitely taken a blow.
With a long and nasty history of steroid use, the sport of cycling has had many successful cyclists who’ve been caught doping. But none have been as successful and inspirational as Armstrong. Having won seven Tour De Frances, he was considered the epitome of fitness and determination. His Cancer Foundation Live Strong was a huge support and inspiration for those whose lives have been affected by the disease. He let all of these people down when he finally admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs.
The fact Armstrong was using drugs didn’t bother me so much. I admit that I was shocked when he gave up the court proceedings in 2012. What followed afterwards seemed to move so fast. His jackets were taken away, all recognition of his victories was removed from the records, and then he stepped down as chairman of his Live Strong Foundation. So when he actually admitted that he used drugs on Oprah, it didn’t have much effect on me since everything leading up to the interview had been pretty clear evidence of the truth. There have been so many cyclists who had used some type of performance- enhancing drugs before Armstrong.
What really bothers me about Lance Armstrong was what he represented to many people as well as what he did to keep his secret hidden. Armstrong represented one of the most successful cancer research foundations in the world; many people looked up to him, equating him with Terry Fox because of his own battle with cancer. The lies broke the image of his foundation as much as it did his own. The Live Strong wristbands no longer represent the endurance and determination to overcome life’s obstacles. The original meaning of hope and support is now clouded in shame and deceit.
Another thing that truly makes him despicable was what he did to ensure his steroid use was kept secret. While he denied these allegations during the interview with Oprah but at this moment, it is hard to believe anything that comes out of the man’s mouth. Former cyclists and even Armstrong’s own teammates have stated that Armstrong threatened them in several ways, including texts and verbal threats, telling them to keep quiet his doping. He threatened to bring down their careers if they told anyone about him. It has been said that he even threatened the wives of his teammates.
Even if Lance says it isn’t true, how are we supposed to believe him anymore? He no longer is the face of cycling and victory over cancer; he is the face of the liars and cheaters of professional sports. He says that he wants to come back to cycling. I don’t think that he should be allowed to compete for the rest of his life. Not only did he severely break the rules, but he threatened and hurt people to keep his lies intact. If Lance goes to each of the people he threatened and apologizes to them, the world may forgive Armstrong in time. But for now, he is one of the most hated men in sports.
