Free Essays, Term Papers, Research Papers at Anti Essays

Lance Armstrong (born Lance Edward Gunderson on September 18, 1971) is an American professional road racing cyclist who rides for UCI ProTeam Team Astana. He won the Tour de France a record-breaking seven consecutive years, from 1999 to 2005. He is the only individual to win seven times, having broken the previous record of five wins. He has survived testicular cancer, a germ cell tumor that metastasized to his brain and lungs, in 1996. His cancer treatments included brain and testicular surgery and extensive chemotherapy, and his prognosis was originally poor.
On October 2, 1996, Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The cancer had spread to his lungs, abdomen and brain. Armstrong, however, chose an alternative, treatment than what is normal to avoid lung. Armstrong had surgery on his brain tumors, which were necrotic, and a diseased testicle was removed. Since retirement, Armstrong has focused on the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which supports people affected by cancer. Armstrong announced on September 9, 2008 that he will return to pro cycling with the express goal of winning the 2009 Tour de France. After talking with my children, my family and my closest friends, I have decided to return to professional cycling in order to raise awareness of the global cancer burden," Armstrong said on his livestrong.org website. Armstrong will race for no salary or bonuses in the 2009 Tour de France.
He began as a triathlete, winning adult competitions from the age of 12. Armstrong was the number one ranked triathlete in the 19-and-under group. At 16, Armstrong became a professional triathlete. It became clear his greatest talent was as a bicycle racer after he won the U.S. amateur championship in 1991. Representing the U.S., he finished 14th in the 1992 Summer Olympics. In 1993, Armstrong finished the year number one in the world, winning 10 one-day events and stage races. He became one of the youngest riders to win the world road race...