Published 12/17/2022, 12:00 PM EST
Former professional cyclist Lance Armstrong achieved fame for winning the Tour de France 7 times in a row. He won the title consecutively from 1999-2005. Recently, Lance Armstrong went on to his Instagram profile to share a story reminiscing about a special honor given to him two decades ago.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Lance Armstrong celebrates his victory of the Tour de France contest, riding from Bourg d’Oisans to le Grand Bornand, France | Credit: Getty Images
Lance Armstrong shared a photo of him on the cover of a Sports Illustrated magazine and wrote, “20 years ago today… Time flies!”
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Lance Armstrong: early days and descent into cancer
In the year 2002, Lance Armstrong was named the Sportsman of the Year and appeared on the front cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.
Armstrong started making strides in cycling and swimming from a young age. As a teenager, he participated in numerous triathlons. His ability as a cyclist caught the eye of the U.S. Cycling Federation leading them to recruit the talent.
He turned into a professional cyclist in 1992 when he joined the Motorola team. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer after 1996, which put a wench in his professional career since he had to go on a sabbatical to recover from the disease.
But Armstrong was lucky enough to beat cancer, and it changed his life. In an interview with Oprah, he said, “It caused me to focus on what’s important in life. But I’ve shown many times since that I’m not perfect.”
Armstrong’s life post-remission
After his recovery from testicular cancer, Lance Armstrong was doubtful about his comeback. He was not sure about his ability to compete.
He said, “My first race was in February [1998], then another in March. I put a lot of pressure on myself to win. When that didn’t happen, I quit and came home. My coach said, “You’ve got to try again.” So I went to a cabin in Boone, North Carolina, for eight or nine days. That’s when I fell back in love with my bike. I decided to race again, and I made myself one promise: I would finish every race I started. My first race after that was the Tour of Luxembourg. I won it.”
Watch this story: How did an early Uber investment save Lance Armstrong and his family from financial crisis
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
His inspiration comes from his saying, “Pain is temporary, but quitting is forever.” During Armstrong’s first professional race, he came in dead last. But that did not stop him from cycling till the finish line.
RODEZ, FRANCE – JULY 16: Lance Armstrong riding with Cure Leukaemia charity riders during stage thirteen of the One Day Ahead – Le Tour 2015 on July 16, 2015 in Rodez, France. (Photo by Sam Bagnall/Getty Images)
Even after his win in the Tour of Luxembourg, he was skeptical about competing in the Tour of France. Instead, he went to compete in the Tour of Spain. He came in fourth in the event and finally gained some confidence to try out his hand at the Tour of France.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
DIVE DEEPER
“I Never Lied”: Pop Culture Icon Arnold Schwarzenegger Couldn’t Stand Comparisons Between Him and Lance Armstrong Back in 2013
While Lance Armstrong has won plenty of accolades, his career has not been free of controversies. But his survival story and fight against cancer are still an inspiration for the masses.
“Time Flies!”: Lance Armstrong Shares an Iconic 2-Decade-Old Memory
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer