Never ever bet against this guy. With nothing left to prove, he continues to prove to the world that the heart and the mind working together can overcome any adversity. His most telling (and inspiational comment) to me is when he explains he doesn't always win..just finishing is the best he can do that day. He inspires people to finish..to keep going..to not let up..to push and conquer whatever fear lies in their hearts and souls. I gave up on sports figures being heroes years ago when so many fell short through being human and showing what they truly were underneath the public image. I hold Lance Armstrong in a special place because he breaks the mold of the typical athlete and goes to a higher level. He is still human but through his interests and endeavors beyond cycling he is making a huge difference in the world and in the lives of people he doesn't even know. He relieves other's suffering by his work and dedication to Livestrong. When he is on his bike, that image is what people can see to make them want to do their best just to finish. Winning isn't about first place, a trophy, a medal as he says. Winning is finishing, of keeping hope alive in the darkest of moments, of doing something to relieve another's burden or helping someone who suffers more than you.
When I overcome adversity, when I "finish", when I help others, I say very quietly to myself "Today, I was Lance."
On Sep 30, 2008 Greg wrote :