FEATURE: LANCE ARMSTONG
LEGENDARY CYCLIST
Lance Armstrong
His Truth Exposed In A Raw, Unfiltered, And Polarizing Interview: " I Wouldn ' t Change A Thing "
BY CINDY PANETTI CYR
In 2012, Lance Armstrong was sitting on top of the world. The most dominant and successful professional cyclist in history, he’ d won the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times between 1999 and 2005, elevating cycling to global popularity. He’ d established the Lance Armstrong Foundation( rebranded to Livestrong in 2003) after surviving Stage 3 testicular cancer, which had spread to his lymph nodes, brain, lungs, and abdomen. During his involvement in Livestrong, he raised $ 500 million for cancer research, treatment, and support, including a personal donation of $ 6.5 million. Livestrong was also able to support 100,000 people through free programs and services, such as counseling, clinical trial matching, and insurance management.
But on January 17, 2013, everything changed when Armstrong confessed to using performance-enhancing drugs throughout his career in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. Overnight, he went from one of the most well-known, loved, and celebrated sports figures in the world to a pariah, stripped of his titles and sponsorships, denied by the foundation he started, sued, and denounced on multiple levels.
It’ s been 11 years since his confession and public apology. His admission cost him his reputation, more than $ 100 million, and his foundation, and he was banned from professional cycling.
Despite all that, he’ s managed to land on his feet. Investments he made prior to 2012, including one in Uber in 2009, helped save him from financial ruin. Armstrong began podcasting in 2016 and hosts two popular podcasts today: The Forward Podcast and THEMOVE. Well-received, the podcasts generate significant revenue through corporate sponsorship, product sales, and subscription services. The Forward Podcast covers an eclectic range of topics featuring guests from politics, entertainment, art, business, and sports. THEMOVE provides insights from Armstrong and his guests on iconic cycling
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