Like most other men, this month marked my first time tuning in to OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network. I have nothing against the channel – it just typically gets trumped by sports, news, or movie channels when I have the remote. But this month marked a watershed for anyone who is remotely interested in cycling. Even those who don’t follow cycling or the Tour de France, can’t help but be intrigued by Lance Armstrong’s interview and his open admission to doping.
For those who are unfamiliar with the story, here’s the short version. Lance Armstrong was the most decorated Tour de France winner, finishing the 2,000+ mile course in first place seven years in a row. What made these performances even more captivating was that Armstrong had battled and subsequently defeated testicular cancer that had spread to his other organs. He then founded the Livestrong Foundation, which supports and guides people through the cancer experience. It seemed as though everyone wore one of the symbolic yellow rubber bracelets, a sign of hope, courage, and overcoming adversity.
Then the rumors of performance enhancing drug use started. Investigations were launched, friends and team members spoke out and through it all Lance denied the allegations and lashed out at his accusers, on multiple fronts and throughout his entire career. You couldn’t help but believe someone who had kicked cancer in the butt, had the fortitude to endure those grueling races and start a non-profit with such a profound impact.
This month, Lance came clean and admitted to most of what his accusers had been saying all along…
I just started cycling in 2011. While I wouldn’t consider Lance Armstrong an idol of mine, I’d be lying if I said his story didn’t inspire me. I have a tremendous respect for any professional athlete who puts in the time to be the master of his sport. And his belief in a cause to help others certainly hits home with me as I try to reach and help people through TD Fitness.
It’s easy for me to forgive Lance Armstrong for several reasons. First, I didn’t have any emotional stake I the situation whatsoever. Second, the values that I live by, the same ones that are embedded in TD Fitness and all it stands for, are Christian values that not only encourage forgiveness for wrongdoing, but actually require forgiveness. The church service I listened to just this morning was centered on this.
Finally, I don’t believe it’s ever too late to do the right thing. I commend Lance for his honesty, albeit later than it should have been in most respects. But I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason – from adversity to bliss. Take what you like from Lance’s story, but consider John 8:7 as you do.
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