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a2a Inspirations>
End of an Era
July 26, 2005
It was hard not be inspired this week by Lance Armstrong
who won an unprecedented seventh Tour de France, closing
the curtain on one of the most extraordinary cycling
careers ever.
Tour de France is a tough sporting event and winning 7
times is an amazing feat. When you consider Lance Armstrong
almost lost his life to testicular cancer ,diagnosed in
1996, it is truly inspirational.
It seemed impossible in 1999, when Armstrong collected the
first of his 82 yellow jerseys and the third of 23 stage
wins, for anyone to win seven Tours . His attention to
detail and obsession with the Tour are well known but his
pure sporting skills and extraordinary strength of
character are often overlooked.
Would Armstrong ever have been this dominant in the Tour de
France if he hadn't experienced his battle with cancer? Who
knows ... but I suspect not. Armstrong had his physical and
emotional strength tested in one of the most confronting
ways ... face to face with death. I saw an interview with
Armstrong last week where he said something like "after
battling cancer I knew nothing the Tour de France could
throw at me could be worse." An amazing perspective to
have.
Armstrong was asked if there was any chance he would return
next year - "I don't need more than 7" he said "it is time
for new experiences". With his children by his side, the
most successful Tour rider in history looked to the sky
while the Star-Spangled Banner was played for him for the
seventh and last time.
Have an inspiring week!
Linda
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