A remarkable image appeared on a story about Lance Armstrong deciding to work toward competing in the 2009 Tour de France. So another world class athlete is deciding to return to competition after retiring. And of all those lately in the news for doing this, Lance is probably the most deserving to rest on his laurels. After all he’s a twelve year cancer survivor. He won seven Tours since then. He’s raised almost $300 million for cancer research through his foundation.
A great article in this month’s Vanity Fair recounts a dinner at Lance’s home with Vanity Fair’s contributing editor Douglas Brinkley, a professor of history at Rice University. "http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2008/09/armstrong200809?currentPage=5"
Mr. Brinkley happens to live literally in Lance’s neighborhood and finagled a dinner. Lance speaks of many issues from Texas politics to what his local paper had to say about his water consumption. But through what seems to have been a relaxed evening of conversation he makes it plain he has not forgotten the accusations of doping that surrounded his titles. He doesn’t like that taint. He doesn’t want to leave things as they are. He wants to win again and do so under the highest scrutiny.
I wish the man well. I don’t believe he was doping when he won his titles and I don't think we will start now. My last words are about the picture that initially caught my eye on the evening news.
Go Lance go!!!
