A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....08-04-05...Lance Armstrong: Honoring Excellence

Dolly Howard / all of us | August 4, 2005 | dolly Howard

[DollyCali]

A star he is ~ but it could have been different. Lance Armstrong could have well been an abortion statistic. His mother was a 16 year old unwed mom and poor. But she did the right thing and was a continual source of support and inspiration to Lance throughout his life. Linda, then a supermarket checkout girl, had got pregnant at the age of 16 and gave birth to her son when she was only 17.

The pair enjoy an exceptionally close relationship, which Linda puts down to the fact that "we grew up together".

Armstrong took on the surname of his stepfather, whom Linda, who has been married and divorced four times, has since separated from the last.

His mother took on a host of jobs to help pay for her son's upbringing - Armstrong has since said he "never wanted for anything" and credits his mother for the work ethic which enabled him to win the Tour de France.

Armstrong's competitive urges were ably backed by Linda, who took him to triathlon events where he made his name as an athlete before getting involved in the US Olympic cycling development program as a teenager.

Okay, bicycling receives many snide looks & remarks from those “who don’t understand”. Athletes who have done a variety of activities competitively, state this is the most grueling activity - bar none. The money is relatively low & the hazards high & the training nothing less than brutal. This is not for wimps. Most are not the stars like lance with a future secure but their love of the activity & competitive sport keep them coming back.

Let’s take a few seconds to mention three of the “troubling” issues by Lance distracters -

1) He has NEVER tested positive for any enhancing/illegal drugs, although he is the MOST tested cyclist that has ever ridden.

2) He met Cheryl Crow a month AFTER his divorce papers were filed with Kristin who was unwilling to support his bicycling career any longer.

3) He remains good friends with LONGTIME friend George Bush despite the concerns over the war & funding which he wishes could be used for cancer research.


Lance Armstrong (born September 18, 1971 in Plano, Texas) is a newly retired American professional road racing cyclist. He is most famous for recovering from testicular/brain/lung cancer to subsequently win the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times—1999 to 2005. His success prompted some to nickname the event the Tour de Lance.

Armstrong's achievements have been widely lauded. A few..In 2002, Sports Illustrated magazine named him their Sportsman of the Year. He was also named Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for 2002, 2003 and 2004, received ESPN's ESPY Award for Best Male Athlete in 2003, 2004, and 2005, and won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Overseas Personality Award in 2003. Armstrong retired from racing at the end of the 2005 Tour de France.

The Awful “C” word

On October 2, 1996, Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had metastasized, spreading to his lungs and brain. His doctors told him that he had a 40 percent chance of survival. After his recovery, one of his doctors told him that his actual odds of survival had been considerably smaller (one even went as far as to say three percent), and that he had been given the estimate primarily to give him hope. The date of October 2 was eventually commemorated by Armstrong and Nike, through the "10 / 2" line of merchandise, of which part of the proceeds would go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which was founded in 1997.

Armstrong managed to recover after invasive surgery to remove his right testicle and two brain lesions, and a severe course of chemotherapy, performed at Indiana University School of Medicine, which left him with burns on the inside of his skin. The standard chemotherapy for his cancer would have meant the end of his cycling career, because a known side effect was a dramatic reduction in lung function; he opted for a more severe treatment that was less likely to result in lung damage.

While in remission he resumed training, but his contract had been canceled by his Cofidis team. This was one of the factors which led to his near retirement from the sport, because of which he and his then-girlfriend (now ex-wife) moved to France on two different occasions due to his changes of heart. Lance and his “ex” the former Kristin "Kik" (pronounced Keek) Richard, had a son, Luke, shortly after his amazing comeback victory, and twin girls Grace and Isabelle two years later, all by in vitro fertilization. They divorced in 2003 and he later entered into a relationship with singer Sheryl Crow, who supported his cycling, following the 2004 and 2005 tours by car.

Armstrong has diversified interests outside cycling. He had a cameo role in the film Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story and has topped the bestsellers' lists with his book It's Not About the Bike. He has also become a spokesperson for the cancer research movement.

He was eventually signed by the newly formed United States Postal Service Pro Cycling Team, and by 1998, he was able to make his successful return in the cycling world marked by his fourth place overall finish in the Vuelta a España.

Livestrong and the Lance Armstrong Foundation

During summer 2004, the Lance Armstrong Foundation (with initial funding from Nike), developed the Livestrong wristband. The band was part of the Wear Yellow Live Strong educational program, intended to support cancer victims and survivors and to raise awareness about cancer. The band sold in packs of 10, 100, and 1200 as part of an effort to raise $5 million for the Lance Armstrong Foundation in cooperation with Nike. Individual bands sold for only US$1 each. Yellow was chosen for its importance in professional cycling, especially as the color of famed leader's yellow jersey of the Tour de France. As of May 2005, over 50 million Livestrong wristbands have been sold. Armstrong has also lent his name to Nike's newest line of footwear, all branded with the familiar "Live Strong" yellow

Remarks by the President Bush In
Ceremony Honoring Lance Armstrong

Office of the Press Secretary- The East Room - August 3, 2001 - 3:00 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Please be seated. It's my privilege to welcome you all to the White House, and to welcome my friend, a true champ, a great American, Lance Armstrong. (Applause.) America's incredibly proud of Lance, and I know two people who are really proud of him as well, that's Kristin, his wife, and young Luke. Thank you all for coming, as well. (Applause.)

We're also honored to have Chris Fowler of ESPN here. I'm so -- thank you for coming, Chris. I was telling Chris a little earlier, it's one of the programs I can watch on TV that doesn't say anything about me at all. (Laughter.)

I want to thank the members of my Cabinet who are here. Thank you all for coming. I want to thank the members of the United States Congress and the Senate who are here. I see a lot from the Texas delegation here that are sure proud of you.

You all know the Tour de France is perhaps the most physically demanding event in sports. It lasts three weeks, stretches over 2100 miles, and is often run in both sweltering heat and real cold weather. In the end, the race is won or lost in the mountains. During five days of climbs that are incredibly steep and hazardous -- that's when the heart is tested, and that's when Lance Armstrong excels.

In the hardest part of the race, Lance reveals an unbending will, uncommon determination and unquestioned courage. He has shown that courage is sport. He has also shown that courage in life.

Just a few years ago, Lance was diagnosed with cancer. He was weakened by chemotherapy treatments and told he had a 50-50 chance of living. He has done more than survive: He has triumphed. (Applause.)

One observer commented that when you survive cancer, the French Alps start to look like speed bumps. (Laughter.)

Lance's story from cancer diagnosis to a third straight victory in the Tour de France is one of the great human stories. It is a story of character and it is a story of class.

Germany's Jan Ullrich, the 1997 Tour de France champion, is Lance Armstrong's chief competitor. The two of them were leading during a critical stage of this year's Tour de France when Ullrich lost control of his bicycle, missed a turn and ended up in a ditch. When Lance saw what happened, he slowed down in order to allow his chief competitor to recover. It was, as Lance said, the right thing to do.

We need more citizens who know to do the right thing. Lance Armstrong. (Applause.) He's something else, isn't he?

Lance Armstrong is a vivid reminder that the great achievements of life are often won or lost in the mountains, when the climb is the steepest, when the heart is tested. There are many children in this audience who are showing similar determination in their fight with cancer and other serious illnesses. You face tough challenges and you embrace life day by day. You're showing courage on your own journey, and all of us are inspired by your example as well.

Ladies and gentleman, it is my honor to present to you a son of Texas, a great American champion, and an extraordinary human being: Lance Armstrong. (Applause.)

MR. ARMSTRONG: Thank you very much. You know, it's an honor to be here. President Bush has been a friend of ours and a friend of mine for many years, back in -- since his days in Austin, right in the wonderful state of Texas. As an American, as an athlete, to be honored here in the White House, to be welcomed here like this, to see a crowd like this, to see children like this that I've never met before, but I think I relate to very well --

(Luke Armstrong cheers.)

MR. ARMSTRONG: -- even this little guy, I think I relate to very well, who's the most vocal one here. What color is that is that jersey?

LUKE ARMSTRONG: Yo-yo.

MR. ARMSTRONG: Yo-yo, yes. (Laughter and applause.) It's an honor to be here. And again, I can't say enough, to have my family, to have some friends, to have this room full of people to welcome us home and to make us feel like Americans and like -- and maybe even like heroes. I don't know; that's not a word we can give to ourselves, but thanks for having us.

To the kids, good luck, fight hard, stay tough, and believe. Actually, we have one more thing to do. Because, as you see, there's a bicycle here that me and Kristin and Luke would like to present to the President. We expect him to ride it. (Laughter.)

We also have a yellow jersey from this year's Tour de France we would like him to wear while he rides the bike. (Applause.)

(A bike and a jersey are presented.)

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you all for coming to the White House. May God bless you all. Thank you. (Applause.)

Further reading

• Lance Armstrong, Sally Jenkins: It's Not About The Bike. My Journey Back to Life (ISBN 0425179613), Putnam 2000. Armstrong's own account of his battle with cancer and subsequent triumphant return to bike racing.

• Lance Armstrong, Sally Jenkins: Every Second Counts (ISBN 0385508719), Broadway Books 2003. Armstrong's account of his life after his first four Tour triumphs.

• Linda Armstrong Kelly, Joni Rodgers: No Mountain High Enough : Raising Lance, Raising Me (ISBN 076791855X), Broadway Books 2002. Armstrong's mother's account of raising a world class athlete and overcoming adversity.

Daniel Coyle: "Lance Armstrong's War : One Man's Battle Against Fate, Fame, Love, Death, Scandal, and a Few Other Rivals on the Road to the Tour De France" (ISBN 0060734973), Harper Collins 2000. Former writer for Outside magazine documents Armstrong's road to the Tour in 2004

Links

Lance Armstrong Official Home Page

Born/Built to Win – National Geographic

Paceline – official Fan club site

Testicular/Brain Cancer – an interview in 1997

WearYellowLiveLong

Tour de France

06-28-05 ~ Hall of Fame #12

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 08-01-05 Military Monday 08-02,3-05 A Few of Our Finest Set their Finest Tables

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[DollyCali]

[Billie]

WHOA!!! I just wanted to see if I could be FIRST for a change. I've never been first on someone else's thread! LOL Now I'm going to go back and read it. From what I *see* it's BEAUTIFUL!

[Woman on Caroline Street]

I'm sorry dear. I'm all Lanced out. I can already see the Lance and Sheryl (Correct spelling) reality show.

[Woman on Caroline Street]

I'm sorry dear. I'm all Lanced out. I can already see the Lance and Sheryl (Correct spelling) reality show.

[DollyCali]

Be Yellow for a day...
Join us at the Finest today
to honor the Pride of Texas!

[Billie]

Dolly, this is fantastic! I love that you write from your heart and with such passion the things that you hold dear (of which there are many!)

How you have the time to research, write, and put together something as detailed and complete as this is amazing, and your pledge graphic is absolutely gorgeous!

[Rammer]

Not a poster-boy for successful marriage or the two-parent family.

Cheryl "No blood for oil" Crow's boyfriend.

How is he one of Free Republic's "finest"?

[DollyCali]

Not sure Lance would do a reality show unless it would heavily financially benefit his cancer research foundation. I would also prefer he be with his wife, Laura Ingram, or Anne Colter (types)..but he has found a woman who for now has supported who he is. I am surely not a fan of Cheryl either.

[Billie]

A Yellow Rose for you. :)

[cyborg]

I watched the last segment of the race. I was impressed. As long as I remember he's all about sports and bike racing, it's hard not to be impressed by his accomplishments.

[DollyCali]

I always thought that we - the participants - were the "finest"... but that remains to be seen, I guess.

[LUV W]

Just beautiful, Dolly!

And Texas is very proud of Lance. Yeehaaaawwww!

[DollyCali]

Thank you for your last minute help Billie ( and a yellow rose of Texas) Sistahs..easiest one yet until I couldn't get/stay on FR & my computer froze up twice!!

[Rammer]

His accomplishments in the world of cycling and overcoming cancer are great.

I just don't think the guy should be lauded by Free Republic as one of its "finest" given everything else about him.

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Good Morning Dolly!

Nice thread!

[cyborg]

Well I've just come to accept we live in a society that isn't perfect,esp. concerning marriage. I'll refrain from further comments about divorce,etc. since that's not the topic of this thread.

[ethical]

I wish he would have honored his wife instead of fooling around with Crow.

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Lance isn't one of FR Finest but Dolly the hostess of the thread is.

The thread is called FR Finest ,because of the participants of this thread.

[Woman on Caroline Street]

I agree. By the looks of his children, his EX-WIFE did a FINE job of raising them.

[Rammer]

He should have placed more emphasis on his family for the sake of his children than on winning a fifth Tour de France.

It's his priorities I question.

[DollyCali]

The marriage was over because the Ex wife made a decision to not stay married to a professional athelte. HE MET CHERYL AFTER DIVORCE PAPERS WERE FILED. Yes, in a perfect world everything is Ozzie & Harriet.. but life doesn't always go that way.

I am surely happy that the USA & the world did NOT trash Ronald Reagan when his first marriage failed & he went on with his life.

[cyborg]

Well he's made his choices in life. What else is there to say? Not much esp. when millions of other people don't care.

[McGruff]

Excellent graphics and messages there Dolly!

[DollyCali]

You are first ! and you prize is dinner at Crawford with Lance, Pres/Laur, and bring along Mr. Billie. (well, this is if I can make the arrangments, of course)

[Rammer]

What else is there to say? We can say that since the two-parent family is in general superior for the well-being of children, and the lives of human beings are far more important than a bicycle race, we can say that Free Republic does not have to honor a man that sacrificed his children on the altar of personal accomplishment.

And millions of us DO care.

[WVNan]

Bye bye. Have a good day.

[Billie]

Thanks for your posts today, and Dolly and Mrs.Nooseman are right - The *Finest* are the *Freepers*; Lance Armstrong is not a Freeper, but we all have varying tastes and opinions, and our threads are never intended to be controversial - the hostesses and guest writers try to entertain or inform our readers. Lance is an outstanding athlete and has overcome all odds to become the champion ATHLETE that he is. I think that's what this thread is 'championing' in Lance Armstrong.

Dolly is a passionate cyclist herself, often riding - what? 40 or more miles a day?

[cyborg]

My friend this is the world we live in. I listen to the music of people who have politics I don't like. I'm into health and herbal healing, an area with a whole lot of Bush haters,etc. They don't share my values at all but that's just how it is. This is modern society.

[Rammer]

We do not have to honor those things which are clearly detrimental to our society by simply saying that is how it is.

Some of us want to continue to work to improve this nation, as opposed to being resigned to making heros out of those with mismatched priorities.

He placed bicycle racing ahead of his family and his children. We don't have to honor that.

[Rammer]

Thanks, have a good day.

[DollyCali]

Tell, me about it cyborg. I am a 2500 mile / year cyclist; avid kayaker; vegetarian; naturalist; holistic healing - for starters. What is your guess of breakdown of libs/conservatives in that lot? lol.

but we find our own to associate with.

I try to educate them along the way when our paths cross. Yes, it can be done.

I like to think of Lance and approach him as the president does..

Lance is still relatively young - my son's age actually. Lots to go on in his life/world. Politics and a run for governor is hinted.

BTW - again congrats on your engagement.. (I saw P's tagline the other day & chuckled)

[cyborg]

Wow I'm impressed! :-) Whenever I browse health,alternative healing and herbal forums (don't get me started on vegetarians!) I have to remember I'm there for the info *LOL*

[Billie]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, Dutchess, Aquamarine, DollyCali ~

[Aquamarine]

I never followed Lance that closely but did admire his perseverance although he lost me when he started going with Cheryl Crow.

Rammer you're entitled to your opinion and do make some good points. The text below was taken from Billie's Introduction that is posted on Mondays. Hope it clears things up a little.

"We sometimes feature different FReepers, with a little background information on who they are and what makes them who they are, along with a few photos you might not have seen on other threads; sometimes others write an essay for us to post as the feature for the day; sometimes our presentation is a human interest story found elsewhere that you might not have read; sometimes special holiday threads; but whatever the topic of the day, it is always with FR's Finest in mind and that is YOU!"

Fine work on the Opener Dolly.

[Rammer]

Thank you - I'll admit I didn't read that. As a human interest story, he's definitely worth posting.

I misunderstood this to be honoring him as one of "Free Republic's Finest" and that's where I erred.

Sorry for the confusion, and I hope I came across as respectful even while disagreeing.

[Billie]

Morning, Sistah A! Interesting start for the Finest, huh? :) Thanks for including the part about the Finest from our Military Monday threads. :)

[Billie]

Sorry for the confusion, and I hope I came across as respectful even while disagreeing.

Thank you for that post, Rammer. Gosh, Aqua, I tried to explain it in my post #27 - I was ignored. *sigh* :)

[Aquamarine]

Sorry for the confusion, and I hope I came across as respectful even while disagreeing.

Thanks and you did.

[Rammer]

LOL, sorry, I didn't catch that.

[Aquamarine]

Had to go to the Monday Thread to find a more complete explanation of what The Finest is about. I forget sometimes myself. :)

[DollyCali]

He placed bicycle racing ahead of his family and his children

perhaps we better put down or better yet do away with military. Long separations there & hardships - occasionally death & often families split over these choices.

We need to be careful when we make some statements. I had a husband that was with our child every day & destroyed him emotionally. I would have done anything for a focused and caring man like Lance.

I don't want to dwell on this because everyone reading this thread has flaws - yes sins - that make them unworthy to their creator. I find it disturbing when one cannot look at the total picture but sees the half empty cup or the flaw making one less than perfect. Lance's children are young & he will be a very vital part of their life at this point & he will also positively impact in a tremendous way untold children around the world.

[Billie]

LOL, sorry, I didn't catch that.

:)

[Aquamarine]

(((Dolly))) We're both controversial in different ways.
Soul Sistah. :)

[DollyCali]

sweet memories ~ 10 commandments?

[Aquamarine]

Yep - and a few others. ;)

[Billie]

Ah, time for this? LOL

[cyborg]

LOL!!!!

[DollyCali]

May the Lord of great love and of creation keep the men and women of our military in His loving and eternal care. May the families be immersed with peace and comfort as they proudly know their loved ones are giving their best for the things that are dear to all of us. AMEN

Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to Billie; Mama_Bear; Dutchess; Aquamarine; The Mayor; DollyCali, and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nation’s leaders, and military personnel, and their families and friends. May God hold them close to His heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

gator girl........................husband severa............husband, brother Maigrey............................cousin mystery-ak.............son, husband Gogrammy...................grandson Inspectorette.......................son Blessed American..........nephew Slip18..........................nephew anniegetyourgun...........nephew Diver Dave.......niece, nephew ConspiracyGuy........2 nephews Pippin............niece's husband sneakers..............................son weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw jamaly.................brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater..........cousin WaterDragon.............grandson WaterDragon...........son-in-law BeforeISleep...................son kimmie7......................brother Armymarinemom............3 sons american_ranger.............son LadyX.........................grandson fawn796.......................nephew ValerieUSA....................2 sons Lakeside........................2 sons LakeLady......................nephew Spruce.........................daughter Leofl......................................son chena......................................son Philman_36..............2 nephews bjcintennessee.......son, niece TheMayor...............friends'son homeschoolmama...........nephew mhking.........................cousin eaglesiniowa.....................son visualops..........................cousin auboy.............................cousin Ladysmith..nephew, friend's son tina07......soninlaw & his friend MontanaCowgirlCop.......brother Colorado Slim................nephew Tapatio....................2 nephews Alouette................................son Katydidnt..............................son Q6-God...................twin brother Q6-God.....................active duty Warrior Nurse...........active duty SK1 Thurman...........active duty David Osborne.........active duty fc2tomschermuly......active duty bkwells....................active duty LongCut....................active duty cjk...........................active duty Trish.........................active duty ODC-GIRL.................active duty AF_Blue...................active duty Notwithstanding.......active duty thumperusn..............active duty Veloxherc.................active duty Don Simmons...........active duty wingnutx...................active duty Old Sarge.................active duty CGblue.....................active duty bigghurtt...................active duty frankiep....................active duty veeceeque................active duty JRios1968...............active duty

scubachick.....................husband OhioWfan................................son ladtx..................................2 sons Its_me_K.E.T.........................son Hostel............................cousin MozartLover...........son, nephew Dubya............................nephew LBGA (RIP)..........................son katykelly..............................son cookcounty.............................son SpookBrat........................nephew SpookBrat........................cousin Doug from Upland............soninlaw Himyar....................................son boxerblues........................2 sons the piper....................................son sheeza................................husband kemathen7.........................husband Tiffee4Bob..........................boyfriend deadhead.............................cousin JimRobinson...............2 nephews TexKat.......................son, step-son StarCMC.............................brother Consort........................2 daughters Consort.......................son-in-law Darheel...............................niece Donaeus...........................nephew dixie sass........................nephew BeAllYouCanBe........................son Repubmommy........................brother AgThorn................................2 sons kneezles.................................son RoseinRoseBear.....cousin's hubby Atomic Conspiracy......half-brother Atomic Conspiracy...........nephew Atomic Conspiracy..............niece Sunflowergal....................grandson mrstank..............................husband MrsMike31........................husband spotbust1............................husband campfollower............................fiance LUV W........................................son painter...................................nephew ProudAFDad...................................son Misty4jc................................husband Bykrbayb........................................son Hope and Glory.........................son ak_daddoo..............................nephew SilentServiceCPOWife........husband Walkenfree................2 grandsons Walkenfree.................. 3 nephews Walkenfree..................granddaughter ariamne.........................2 cousins Zechariah_8_13.......brother-in-law Zechariah_8_13.......................cousin DirtyHarryY2K......................daughter DirtyHarryY2K................son-in-law nelibeli...................................nephew Skimask.....................................son El Gato...............................nephew Palladin...............................grandson MississippyMuddy...................sister MississippyMuddy.....2 nephews Kramster...............................stepson gonzo.........................friend's son Socratic.............................nephew jkphoto...............................nephew

[Aquamarine]

[Billie]

That's a cute one! We need to get Luv to bring her last table post over to this one - the *Love* one! K, Luv?