The Life of Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong proved to be a hero not only as a celebrity bicyclist but also on a personal level. He showed rugged determinism in a battle through cancer, self reliance at a major turning point in his biking career and individualism in his training.
Lance showed rugged determinism in his battle through cancer and other physical difficulties. When Lance found out he had been diagnosed with cancer, he had a different approach to the battle than most people. "Having cancer motivated him to unleash the same passion and drive he does in bike races to fight against cancer" (Wikipedia). Lance used the same kind of passion and drive that he had when he biked in his hundred mile races, or when he trained by riding through miserable weather as he did in his fight against cancer. Lance showed other aspects of rugged determination when he went through brain surgery, testicular surgery and extensive chemotherapy to help him recover. After his recovery from cancer, Lance made a comeback in cycling. However, his comeback "got off to a rocky start" (Capital Sports Entertainment). He almost ended his career for a second time when he faced a cold and dreary day in the Paris Nice race. He pulled over to the side and gave up the race. Lance decided he wasn't ready to return to racing. Instead he took some time off from racing to meet an old friend. While in North Carolina, Lance biked alongside his friend Chris Carmichael. After a week of getting readjusted and putting the past race behind him, Lance "learned to love the bike again and build up the courage to try again." (Capital Sports Entertainment). Recovery from cancer wasn't enough for Lance, he was determined to comeback to racing stronger and better than he had been before cancer.
Having self reliance was significant for Lance in his fight to prove he didn't take drugs. After his cancer and the first few races with the Postal team, people began to think Lance had been using enhancing drugs. Lance needed self reliance at a time when he was being accused for something he hadn't done. Unfortunately, people seemed jealous and angry that he had recovered from cancer and was able to win so many races. He used self reliance to continue his biking career despite these depressing and false accusations. He "continually denied using any enhancing drugs in his races" and "considered himself the most 'tested athlete in the world'" (Wikipedia). There was only one time in his career when he was tested and the results showed that he had used a drug. But he later showed a certificate that approved his medical use and showed that the medication was used for saddle sores. Despite people questioning him about his drug use, Lance kept positive about the situation. He ignored what people questioned and kept competing, relying on him self that he was stronger now then he was before. Another value in his training and personal life that Lance showed was individualism.
Lance showed individualism in many aspects of life. One way was by doing his own kind of training and not following the crowd; he "focuses solely on the Tour De France and seldom competes in other major races allows him to train 342 days a year for the 23 days of the Tour" (Wikipedia). This type of training has proven to be the key for Lance winning so many times. "His new focus on life and training paid off in the form of top five finishes in the Tour of Spain and the world championships" (Capital Sports Entertainment). Lance also wasn't afraid to try other methods in his battle with and recovery from cancer. "With advice of a specialist he tried a course of treatment that gave him a chance for a full recovery with less danger of losing lung capacity as a side effect" (Capital Sports Entertainment). He was determined to continue cycling after cancer. Losing a lung could cause him to have to give up cycling. The treatment that doctors were going to use was not what most cancer patients used to recover. His individual judgment and his desire to be a cyclist led him to choose this kind of treatment. Finally, with his victory over cancer, Lance again proved he is an individual because instead of focusing on only himself, he had "an idea to start a foundation which donates money towards researching cancer" (Wikipedia). His foundation is called the Lance Armstrong Foundation. People from every corner of the world have been trying to get a hold of the yellow 'live strong' bracelets, over 40 million were sold, that symbolize Lances Foundation and victory over cancer (Lance Armstrong Biography). People respect him as an individual and survivor of cancer.
Lance is a celebrity who has inspired many cancer patients, athletes and other people who admire his hard work and positive outlook on life. People look at Lance as a role model for cancer survivors. People are aware of his courage to try new things. They respect and donate towards his foundation to show their appreciation of what Lance is doing for cancer patients.

Works Cited
"Lance Armstrong." Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. 8 Jan 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki /Lance_Armstrong
Capital Sports Entertainment. "About Lance." The Official Source For All Things Lance Armstrong. 2005. 8 Jan. 2007 .
"Lance Armstrong Biography" 11 Jan. 2007