Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Lance Armstrong

 

In 2000 I climbed Mount Ventoux with four children to see Lance Armstrong win the Tour de France. I never doubted a race he won, nor a word he said.

Yes I thought he was rough, tough and could be rude. But he was a champion, he survived cancer… and his victory he gave to those of us who survived it too.

I never had a hero before, couldn't understand why people even had heroes… but Lance Armstrong became mine that day. 

 

 

 

The day I climbed Mount Ventoux, I was lucky enough to stand side by side to Lance Armstrong during an interview. Later he rode his bicycle to a trailer to be tested for drug use. When he went inside the trailer, I bent down and collected a rock that his tire rolled over.

It was one of my prized possessions, it reminded me that one day cancer would be conquered for good. If Lance could do it, and the symbol of it was his riding and winning the Tour de France… it made me believe cancer would not win in the end.

 

 

This morning I listened to the interview between Lance and Oprah. 

He admitted to his drug use, and cheating during his entire cycling career. 

Lance's ruthless desire to win overshadowed his judgement, which blinded his ability to see the truth. 

I cried, it felt odd to do so. I barely watch sports.

The only thing I am competitive in is playing cards with my family. I cheat at it most the time, they know it. 

 

 

 

 

None of us are perfect…

I have made mistakes.

I have lied.

I survived cancer.

I am lucky.

I was sad that his desire to win was like a starving beast with an insatiable appetite, willing to destroy everything that most of us hold true… friends, family, personal integrity, love… for a tarnished victory of glory.

Understanding madness is one thing, accepting it is another. 

Forgiveness starts with sorrow.

I hope I never become blinded to what it good and true.

 

 

Lance, I am glad you spoke the truth.

A road less traveled, I hope you will walk, and find a way to wield that incredible power that you have, that insatiable desire, to feed your inner beast into beauty.

You have taken the first step.

Comments

56 responses to “Lance Armstrong”

  1. annie

    I wish I could be so kind-hearted, Corey. Unfortunately, I can’t. I felt for years that Armstrong was being pursued and harassed by jealous people. Like everyone else, I loved his triumph over cancer and his brilliant wins. Now I’m just embarrassed by him and hope he drops out of public sight. I’m feeling a bit mean this morning, can you tell?

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  2. jani

    nice……….

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  3. susanc

    I guess it just goes to show that winning isn’t everything.

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  4. Margaret Bouwmeester

    Good words to live by, sometimes even our heroes make mistakes………
    Mags
    xx

    Reply
  5. sharon morrison

    It will take time. He has a millon more miles to ride to find his peace and grace.
    I find sports “hero’s, to be on the….wait…under the bottom of my list of things to think about.

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  6. Ullam

    Wonderful words Corey. I also hope he rises to his best.

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  7. Diogenes

    I’m afraid I’m more on the side of Annie, your first commenter.
    I think it would be easier to forgive him if he had not aggressively sued and hounded anyone (newspapers and journalists) that raised a shadow of a doubt about his doping. He will now have to pay them back the settlements that he won in court. Like the old saying goes, “the guilty dog barks the loudest.”
    The people I feel sorry for are the other competitors who rode in the Tour de France, who, but for Lance Armstrong, would have honestly won glory and fame.

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  8. Liz

    John 8:7…Let Him Who is Without Sin Cast the First Stone.
    Let the Lance Healing begin. Praying he will find the Light of Christ to guide him through this journey.

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  9. Ann

    This is an unfortunate situation that someone would do such a thing and that others would cooperate for money. I feel terrible that France’s prized race has been tarnished by a greedy and undeserving person. And I’m sorry that he represented more to you than just a sports figure although I understand how you would look up to him as a winner.
    As I have learned over the years to put all my hope and trust in God alone as people can hurt us and let us down. I believe most people are good and honest. But people in positions of power or influence have much more to consider in terms of the good (or bad) they do to millions of people. God will reward or punish justly and I leave it in his hands.
    Be at peace, God is your rock…your strength…your hope.

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  10. Holly

    beautifully said Corey. I am hopeful that he reads your post someday.

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  11. Allison

    wow, Corey, that was quite lovely
    I pray he comes to know Jesus, who is the only One who can truly conquer our ‘inner beast’ in order to bring beauty

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  12. Annette

    Lance cheated, and was caught breaking the rules. The “police” can’t catch everyone, so they caught the big one and made an example, a deterrent. In the culture of bike racing, and perhaps all competitive sports, doping has existed. Competitive sport is a high-stakes money-making business. Lance will live with his own conscience and the consequences of his actions. This doesn’t negate the good deeds he has done for others.

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  13. Marilyn

    Amen! Well said! My husband said he felt betrayed by Lance. I would think many of us feel that right now. I hope he can turn this into something good.

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  14. Nancy W.

    I would still say not to forget that he did challenge his cancer & overcame it. i feel it is a separate issue. Hold to that Corey.

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  15. Mar-see-a

    You are not lucky, dearest Corey- you are blessed.
    Time brings balance, and I believe that Lance will be remembered for more than cycling.

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  16. Zosia

    Let’s not forget that he cheated not just for the desire to win (and what is that victory if you didn’t achieve it by your own effort?), but for BIG MONEY and popularity as well.
    I feel sorry for him that he sold his integrity for money. I do not deny him the chance to change now and do great things to make up for his mistakes, but it’s up to him to work as hard at regaining people’s trust and forgiveness as he did while training.

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  17. barbara

    he didn’t make ‘a mistake’…he lived a life of lying, cheating and being a bully.i find i so sad and agree with annie. he needs to just go away. yes, he is just human as are all sports heros. they are flawed like all of us. so why do we hold them up as a god? he needs no more attention.
    bv

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  18. Brother Mathew

    Participation in sport does not build character, it reveals it.

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  19. Kathie B

    Am joining the others here who agree with first poster Annie — who, BTW, is NOT being mean at all: Lance succeeded by being a lying, cheating bully, and his gains were ill-gotten.
    I also concur with Diogenes’ compassion for Lance’s victims — “the other competitors who rode in the Tour de France, who, but for Lance Armstrong, would have honestly won glory and fame.” I’d add those who didn’t get the opportunity to compete because Lance cheated them out of it.
    Further, I’m gleefully looking forward to seeing Lance having to repay all his ill-gotten money from defamation lawsuits he won against journalists with his lies, and from financial backers like the USPS to whom he lied.

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  20. Kathie B

    Not all sins are created equal. I believe Lance’s were (and may well continue to be) far worse than what most of us will ever commit.

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  21. g

    oh boy is this ever true!

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  22. WR

    We all contribute to the monster that is celebrity. I agree with you Corey and hope that we all learn from our mistakes and failings whether they be private or public.

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  23. ChicagoSheila

    Just before leaving for work today I read Proverbs, Chapter 3 and I prayed for the strength to follow the right path. Lance Armstrong made a decision to tell the truth, and I am happy for him. The earthly consequences, whatever they are, are mere earthly consequences.

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  24. Do you love him Loretta (Arda)

    I have no compassion for Lance Armstrong. He used his cancer as a shield. He lied, cheated, and bullied. Just because someone has/had cancer doesn’t mean they are a good person. The good get cancer, just as the bad. He was a bad bully with cancer. Annette said he will have to live with his conscience. No, he won’t. If he had a conscience he couldn’t have done the things he has done over his lifetime. Lets not forget he left his wife for a pop star after she helped him with his cancer. No more time to waste on this guy. Not interested.

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  25. Kathie B

    Not only did Lance leave his wife after she saw him through his cancer, he dumped Sheryl Crow when SHE was diagnosed with breast cancer. Whatta guy, huh?

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  26. Paulita

    I think we’re being naive to feel bad for the other bicyclists. So far, everyone who has won the the Tour de France in the past decade has been guilty of using enhancing drugs. I’m pretty sure they were all doing it.
    Lance still survived cancer and accomplished amazing feats afterward — things that people who hadn’t survived cancer couldn’t do even with the drugs.
    Also, Sheryl Crowe left him before the news of her cancer came out.
    I don’t think Lance is a hero, but I think, other than surviving cancer, he was like every other guy riding the course and he won seven times. Maybe he was just better at the drugs than the other guys.

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  27. Liz in Oregon

    Well, I love you Corey and your kindness is never-ending, admirable and encouraging. But I feel that Lance Armstrong did not come forward of his own accord due to guilt or remorse, but because he got caught and was backed into a corner. And evidently his cancer was the result of the illegal drugs he was taking. All this boo-hoo, feel-sorry-for-me stuff makes me quite ill. He should just skulk away like the ethically-challenged creep he has proven himself to be.

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  28. Monika

    As a cancer survivor, I never like Lance Armstrong, I never got on the Livestrong bandwagon. There was something about him that I always found off, always off-putting. Just because he started a cancer charity doesn’t mean he is a good or nice person; he’s not.
    I haven’t seen the interview in its entirety, but what I saw showed me that he’s only sorry he got caught. The bit about how he didn’t see what he did as cheating because all his other competitors could have done the same as him, well, that about says it all. All the whistleblowers he destroyed and tried to destroy; it’s sickening.
    What makes me angry is that a few weeks ago, my 9 year old asked me if I thought Lance Armstrong had cheated, if he was guilty of what people were accusing him of. Since we have never discussed him at home, I guess he came up at school. My sweet 9 year old who always gives people the benefit of a doubt said that no matter what other people say about him, she believes him if he says that he didn’t do it. It just made me so sad, and so angry, that he has gotten to her. Today she said, I know mom, I know, and didn’t want to talk about it.
    The worst of it is that he seems to have no real shame, no real contrition. He is just arrogant and greedy.

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  29. Lynne

    Well said Corey, and may he begin his “new ride” . . . of honest . . .

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  30. 24/7 in France

    I know, he’s guilty…but I can’t help but still feel so bad and sorry for him – may he find inner peace on his new path.

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  31. Massilianana

    Dear Corey you are too kind here.
    I only saw a short part of the interview and I found him very cold and the whole thing was too staged,rehearsed (merci Oprah….) .
    What’s more, can you tell me what is sincere about this public confession (like so many others : Clinton,Woods,….) ?He is just preparing the next step in his professional life : for example write a book about his life as a cheat and how it showed him the way to a better life.It will be a success, people like a fallen hero showing contrition . He needs a “clean” slate for people to buy it and to make money.

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  32. jend’isère

    When my daughter surprised all by winning an interschool running race she revealed her secret. She squeezed a small stone in her fist the entire race. Wisdom from a shy 8 year old. As for Lance, used bikesales career is on his horizon, allowing those who deserve become new heroes.

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  33. Jeni

    Wise words brother;
    Corey, I wish everyone could have a sister like you;
    Compassionate, forgiving, willing to accept, to move forward.
    I think the words you spoke, speak to all imperfect humanity.
    In the mountains of truth you never climb in vain. Fredrich Nietche

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  34. Beverly

    Well said Loretta, and I agree with alot of the comments on here regarding this cold and calculating man.
    Why oh why is there remorse and excuses for this greedy man? Why feel sorry for him?
    Do you honestly think he would care if it were you? Of course not.
    Just because he survived cancer, doesn’t mean he should have been a role model or “hero” if you wish.

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  35. KAMFreeman

    Thank you Corey. Words of a compassionate, loving woman of great faith will now be what I remember, not the news media’s “let’s psychoanalyze this confession” words. My heart and spirit are focusing on hope and trust in God’s mercy to bring light to Lance as he now travels this new road with honesty.
    As is so often my gift from you, a morning prayer that puts me straight and center front on what really matters. Forgive is what we are asked to do by the one who set the example for all of us – thank you for taking me to that place of humble, sincere prayer and release of anything but kindness in my heart for Lance, for everyone who faces challenges with the truth.
    Kristin

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  36. CandaceW

    After the Tiger Woods confession, I am not surprised by anything. Our media has made sports figures into “Gods”.

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  37. Tracy

    Wonderful words. I find forgiveness hard to come by – There are a few others in line ahead of him.

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  38. Pamela RG

    It is very unfortunate that negative news kept coming out from the USA… Lance Armstrong lies, School shootings, Taylor Swift’s changing boyfriends among others. I hope there will be more Good stories to be shared and celebrated rather than focusing on these negative stories that shows no remorse.

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  39. La Contessa

    Well,I agree with Liz in Oregon…he admitted cause he got caught!Took guts to go in front of OPRAH and tell the world the truth.I think I’m more upset with the “docters” that gave him the drugs…..who are they?

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  40. Peggy Braswell

    Enough said + Armstrong will ride this race by himself, not in competition + thank god! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  41. mary

    my husband is a professional athlete. He participates in a sport with the most elite in his field. he is routinely drug tested, knows the rules, and honors them. My husband is the most honest and ethical person i know. there is NO difference in personal and professional life in the world of sport…if a person cheats in his sport/career they are a “cheat” in all aspects of their life. Shame on lance armstrong not only for what he did, but for how he involved others….shame….

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  42. victoria silva

    I can’t justify what he did… ever. The doping was bad enough but to be ruthless and bully others… who came out and told the truth about him years ago… even to the extent of suing them… shows his true colors or lack of.
    Everywhere we see in the world greed and power being reveled…for what it is… just plain wrong.
    Blessings
    Victoria

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  43. Rita Taylor

    Corey, You have been touched by the hand of God. God is on His throne and you lift up holy hands without wrath or doubt. Hallelujah!

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  44. Kristin Johnsen

    I too was a defender – I too took his side against the world. As a Cancer survivor and a bike rider, he was MY guy. Mostly, i just feel so let down….and sad….for him, and a bit for all of us who were such supporters. Your blog today was nice – the personal side of what he meant to so many of us….it’s not like we don’t know we are all flawed, but it still hurts when someone you have so supported turns out to be so. thanks for sharing your personal connection today, Corey.

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  45. Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic

    Feelings and opinions abound but in the end, Lance Armstrong must answer to Him.

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  46. Tracy

    That was a very gracious commentary. Thank you.

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  47. Paula

    Corey. Your compassion is what defines you, in many ways. Thank you.

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  48. Suz

    It’s amazing how truth makes a difference, despite lies that have preceded it. May Lance continue to walk in truth and light. And may we all have grace for the truth-tellers in our lives.

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  49. Gigi

    I never believed Lance Armstrong won his races fairly.
    A little skepticism goes a long ways in life. You
    are lovingly magnanimous, Corey, but watch the
    Interview again and take off your rose colored
    glasses and you will see an arrogant man
    devoid of humility. No remorse. Hard and cold
    who slammed and deceived so many people. Called
    everybody but himself a liar.

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  50. Kathie B

    Armstrong revealed his true motive during the interview: he declared that he DESERVES to be reinstated to athletic competition (triathlons nowadays), overturning his lifetime ban. In other words, it’s about the $$$. Chutzpah much?

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  51. Teresa Young

    wow! thank you that is just my feelings. T

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  52. annie vanderven

    We are all guilty, we feed the glory monster ,money has become king, but foremost shame has disappeared , everyone has an excuse for whatever behavior they indulge in. Cannot throw a stone at Lance he is a product of our society, hence we are all guilty.
    ANNIE V.

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  53. Vickie

    love all the way around. I found myself cursing a bad driver the other day and I cursed loud. It felt really bad even though no one but I heard. I said to myself, what the heck are you saying, don’t be talking like that young lady. So my point is, love to all. unkind words or even thoughts are a drag. walk a mile in another’s mocassins. or nike’s or manolos or uggs.

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  54. Alan

    I am also a cancer survivor who looked to Lance Armstrong for inspiration. In the end it isn’t cancer that beat him, it was his ego. Cancer didn’t beat me, and I won’t let greed, or ego do it either.

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  55. PAULETTE K

    COREY , YOU ARE RIGHT, IT ALL STARTS WITH THE TRUTH AND FORGIVNESS, WE MUST FORGIVE OURSELVES , GOD HAS ALREADY FORGIVEN US,. … WHEN WE ASK HIM, NOW GOOD WORKS MUST FOLLOW !!!!!

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  56. Barbara

    I admire Lance Armstrong – he is a fighter and it takes that quality to be a champion –
    I admire how he is fighting to put his life in order with all the raw pain and emotion that requires –
    I admire how he fought, learning every aspect of how to fight Cancer and did what the experts told him to do, believing in them –
    I admire that who saw the sport as an international field that few in this nation heard about before he entered the race and he learned what it would take to win, which was more than most of us want to accept – He did not go into the fray half prepared with only his intense body building regime but, like a warrior does not enter a fight with fewer arms than his competition he learned what it would take to win – The few times any nation goes to war with one hand tied behind their back they leave themselves and their mess behind – his crusade was not to change the sport but to win.
    I see him trying to straddle two world where we want a champion representing our nation and yet we want that champion to be pure in sport that does not value purity.
    Caught, I have a difficult time accepting – a series of individuals and a government played ‘publicly get Lance’ for their own ends – he did not help himself by using his natural reaction to fight with arrogance and rather than seek legal help he lied but then other national figures have fallen into the same behavior and today we see their skills rather than their sins.
    This could be the play we saw years ago on Broadway where Mordred pulls the curtain on Lancelot who sang C’est moi –

    Reply

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