Thursday 11 October 2012

Is Lance Armstrong guilty?

I wanted to live, but whether I would or not was mystery, and in the midst of confronting that fact, even at that moment, I was beginning to sense that to stare into the heart of such a fearful mystery wasn't a bad thing. To be afraid is a priceless education.
Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong has been a motivating personality in my life.  He has written several books including It’s not about the bike: My journey back to lIfe” which I have read, my kids have read and it still sits in my bookshelf as a reminder of a story of one man’s battle against all odds.
At 24 years old, Lance Armstrong was already well on his way to becoming a cycling legend.  Then in 1995, he was diagnosed with stage four testicular cancer – doctors gave him a 40% chance of survival.  On that day, Armstrong’s life changed forever and he met the challenge head on – this was one fight he was determined not to lose.
As he battled against the cancer invading his body and the chemotherapy that drained all his energy, he focused on his training and drew strength from the people around him who never gave up.  Just 16 months after Armstrong was discharged from hospital, he entered the Tour de France and won.  A few months later, he became a father.   
He went on to win the Tour de France seven times.  Earlier this year, he was stripped of all his titles for apparent drug use during his races which forced him to make a decision to resign from racing forever. 



The allegations have now turned out for the worst reports The Fix”, a recovery and addiction online magazine:
While Armstrong still denies ever doping, The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) claims that Armstrong was at the centre of the most sophisticated doping program in recent history. The file against him includes sworn testimony from 26 people—including 11 former US Postal Service teammates who have admitted to doping and say that Armstrong not only doped himself but encouraged others to do it, and administered doping products on the team. “The USPS Team doping conspiracy was professionally designed to groom and pressure athletes to use dangerous drugs, to evade detection, to ensure its secrecy and ultimately gain an unfair competitive advantage through superior doping practices,” the USADA reports, “a program organized by individuals who thought they were above the rules and who still play a major and active role in sport today.” The file contains more than 1,000 pages of evidence, which the agency calls “conclusive and undeniable proof that brings to the light of day for the first time this systemic, sustained and highly professionalized team-run doping conspiracy.”
Armstrong has refused to comment on the report, but one of his lawyers, Timothy J. Herman, has called the case a farce: “USADA, the prosecutor, now pretends to issue its own ‘reasoned decision,’ even though there was no judge, no jury and no hearing,” he wrote in a letter to the agency’s lawyer. Armstrong was stripped of his titles back in August when he gave up the fight against the doping allegations.
The questions that come to mind here is why they waited so long to bring up these allegations – why were his blood tests not confirmed years earlier?  Could it be jealousy or a conspiracy to stop him competing?  Why are the other 26 people making the allegations not banned from racing too?
What do you think?  Your input would be welcome in unfolding the fairness behind this matter.  Leaving a comment would be most appreciated.

This is my body, and I can do whatever I want to it. I can push it; Study it; Tweak it; Listen to it. Everybody wants to know what I am on. What am I on? I am on my bike busting my ass six hours a day. What are YOU on?
Lance Armstrong

4 comments:

  1. Here we are faced with a conundrum. How can we tell? He is the only one who really knows the truth. He tells us he is clean. The records show he passed every test whenever and wherever he was required to give one.

    I am not deeply involved in this sport, but one of my sons is, and has won some great races. I think it's like any sport you love, it becomes a passion.

    Have the authorities actually come up with documented proof that would stand up in court? I don't know. There are supposedly eyewitnesses, and others who shared in drug taking with him. He hasn't taken them to court for slander, but at the same time I can understand him throwing his hands in the air and saying he wipes his hands of the whole thing.

    Under normal circumstances wouldn't his accusers document their proof? If this has been done, then okay, I am not aware of it, but then as I say I only know what is on the news.

    It is, as the King in 'The King and I' says, it's a puzzlement.

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  2. Great comment - the truth will be revealed but in the meantime I feel for Lance. Besides his inspiration to others with overcomiing cancer, he also gives a large amount to charity. It also puts a downer on sport especially in the cycling world - it is not about excelling anymore and doing your best. Thanks for your input xxx

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  3. I really believe that it is way too one sided for me to think any differently about Lance. If in fact the other 26 riders that were reportedly involved, have not been band also, it sounds like a witch hunt and discredits the USADA more than it discredits Lance.
    I even understand why he would just give up. Fighting cancer requires all your strength, and fighting an ongoing fight like this could sap all your strength.

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  4. I find it very strange that they can dig all this up after so many years - very sad. Thanks for commenting - much appreciated xxx

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