Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong was born on September 18, 1971, in Plano, Texas, USA. He would grow up to become one of the most famous cyclists in history, both for his outstanding achievements in the sport and the controversies that later surrounded his career due to doping allegations.

At the age of 21, Lance Armstrong won the UCI Road World Championship in Oslo, Norway, on July 11, 1993. This victory marked him as a rising star in the world of professional cycling, showcasing his potential to become one of the sport's leading athletes.

On October 2, 1996, Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer that had spread to his brain and lungs. This life-threatening diagnosis came as a shock and led to a grueling battle with the disease, eventually leading to successful treatment and remission.

Lance Armstrong established the Lance Armstrong Foundation, now known as Livestrong, on October 8, 1997, to support cancer patients. The foundation became a significant source of cancer awareness and funding, helping millions with its advocacy and fundraising efforts.

On July 25, 1999, Lance Armstrong won his first Tour de France, a pivotal moment in his cycling career, marking his return to the sport after surviving cancer. This victory was the beginning of a series of Tour de France wins that would later come under scrutiny.

Lance Armstrong secured his seventh consecutive Tour de France victory on July 24, 2005. This unprecedented achievement solidified his reputation as arguably the greatest cyclist in the history of the sport at that time, though later revelations would taint this legacy.

In June 2010, a federal investigation was initiated into Lance Armstrong and the U.S. Postal Service Cycling Team concerning allegations of doping. This marked the beginning of a series of legal and public challenges that ultimately led to ruined reputations and revoked titles.

On August 24, 2012, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) stripped Lance Armstrong of all seven of his Tour de France titles and banned him from competitive cycling for life. This decision followed investigations that concluded he had used performance-enhancing drugs.

In a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey on January 14, 2013, Lance Armstrong publicly admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs throughout his cycling career. This admission confirmed years of speculation and effectively ended his status as a sporting hero.