In 2004, one dollar at a time, we all found hope. One dollar bought a yellow rubber bracelet that went to cancer research and bought us hope.
“LIVESTRONG.”
That one message made a rubber bracelet indestructible, and yes, it made all of us a little more indestructible too.
Athletes, actors, singers, models and presidential candidates all wore it. Next thing you know, you, your mom, your dad, your best friends and your coach are all wearing one. Anybody and everybody were all connected, and all lived strong.
Lance Armstrong was the reason for our hope and connection.
Armstrong won a record, seven Tour de France titles while battling and overcoming cancer. The man was a force, an inspiration and a hero to many.
Then the witch hunt began. In a sport where doping is as common as peddling, people started talking. Cyclers got caught, and Armstrong’s name was always thrown around. The prideful champion, always denied, until he couldn’t any longer.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency recently stripped Armstrong of all seven Tour de France titles and banned him for life, for doping.
The ban comes from what Armstrong did seven to 13 years ago. Wow, good for you USADA!
No matter what the USADA says, Armstrong and everyone will continue to live strong. There’s no taking down all the yellow shirts, bracelets, sweatshirts, jackets and shoes that represent Armstrong and his message.
There is no good in the Armstrong decision.
Cracking down on Armstrong doesn’t do any justice to cycling. In a sport where most of the second place and many other placers, were doping, there’s no justice being done. These athletes are in a sport where they ride over 100 miles a day. In their biggest event they ride over 20,000 miles and climb mountains like it’s a stroll in the park.
Do not think I’m against cracking down on doping or any other type of cheating in sports. I applaud baseball for suspending Melky Cabrera and Bartolo Colon for using testosterone. There needs to be a line drawn in this instance though, and the USADA crossed it.
Instead of causing a witch hunt and ruining a hero’s legacy on what he did seven to 13 years ago, let’s focus on the present and future of the sport.
Armstrong has been praised for his training, courage and giving hope. His legacy is not over. No matter what the USADA says, Armstrong is the greatest cyclists and one of the most inspiring persons of all-time.
Armstrong and all of us will live on. Strong.
Life's A Ball 
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