By Gwen Furmanek
Contributing Writer
Lance Armstrong has lost everything. A few short years ago, he was on top of the world and one of the most famous athletes of all time. He made his mark on the world through the charity he founded, Livestrong.
In middle school, the yellow, silicone gel bracelet was something every kid HAD to have. At the time, we didn’t quite comprehend the significance behind the small objects. They represented hope for cancer patients.
Lance Armstrong was a hero.
So what happened? Late this past October, news broke that Lance Armstrong does not in fact live so strong. The famous athlete fell from his glory when according to a Nov. 12 USA Today article, the USADA released a file that was the beginning of the end of his career. The file had 26 sworn witness statements and scientific data that suggested Armstrong utilized prohibited drugs and blood transfusions to have an advantage over others throughout his career.
A mere few weeks after his resignation as Livestrong’s chairman, Armstrong left the foundation’s board of directors in an endeavor to help save it from the ongoing controversy surrounding his career, according to the same article.
Lance Armstrong has done an honorable duty by leaving Livestrong. He decided to walk away from everything he built so that it may thrive without his dead weight pulling it down. Armstrong is “dead weight” because if he chose to stay, people might judge the charity itself for the mistakes he made. Armstrong isn’t formally connected to the Livestrong foundation anymore.
According to the same article, Armstrong left of his own will.
This speaks volumes for a man who impacted such a vital cause so immensely. Should he be judged so harshly? Yes, he took drugs to enhance his performance, but he also has fundraised and gave millions toward researching cancer.
The public has been blinded from seeing the good he has done because of his personal choice to take performance-enhancing drugs. According to a Nov. 12 Washington Post article, Armstrong is Livestrong’s chief donor, donating almost $7 million. After the news of drug use, Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banished from competition according to the same article.
The uncovering of his private doings has cost him a fortune. The USA Today article reported that a Dallas promotions company has asked for $12 million for returned bonuses and legal fees. On top of that, the article also claims The International Cycling Union has asked Armstrong to return approximately $4 million in prize money from his Tour de France wins. It’s a hefty cost to break the rules.
Formerly, this man had been seen as a role model. His strength and supposed “clean living” actually came from non-natural supplements. This seems sure to disappoint many individuals, specifically those with cancer such as Armstrong had.
On the other hand, should we cut him some slack? Would he have been able to make such an impact on the world if he didn’t become so famous through his global wins? Would he have won had he not taken the performance-enhancing drugs?
No one will ever know.
One thing is for sure though. Armstrong has gone to great personal lengths that many other individuals in his position would not have gone to. He should be respected for having the valor to walk away from the empire he built.
