lance armstrong biography

Born September 18, 1971 in Plano, Texas, Lance Armstrong took to athletics and competition at an early age. At 13, he won the Iron Kids Triathlon and by 16 he was a professional triathlete. Deciding to focus on cycling, Lance qualified to train with the U.S. Olympic developmental team in Colorado Springs, Colo. during his senior year of high school. This confirmed his desire to pursue a career in cycling and the Armstrong legacy began.

As an amateur, Lance qualified for the Junior World Championships in Moscow in 1989 and by 1991 he was the U.S. National Amateur Champion. Lance quickly proved himself as a professional cyclist: He won a USPRO Championship title, stage victories in the Tour de France, a World Championship, multiple victories at the Tour du Pont, a No. 1 world ranking and a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. By 1996 he was the No. 1 ranked cyclist in the world.

Although seemingly invincible, in October of 1996 Lance was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain. With his chances of recovery far less than 50/50, Lance was forced off his bike and into aggressive chemotherapy treatments. Like the true competitor and remarkable human being that he is, Lance fought the cancer and gained a new perspective on life.

Cancer-free but weak and teamless, the United States Postal Service took a leap of faith and signed Lance to their team. Lance set out to prove himself once again in the ranks of the professional elite, but his comeback was a struggle. During an early season race in 1998, he pulled to the side of the road and quit, causing many to believe that Lance’s career as a professional cyclist was over.

Following a brief break from the sport, Lance returned to competitive cycling, winning the Lance Armstrong Foundation Downtown Criterium in his hometown of Austin, Texas and placing in the top five of the Tour of Spain and the World Championships. He went on to win numerous other titles, but it was in 1999 that Lance set his sights on the Tour de France. He won the competition that year, the first of a record seven consecutive wins.

These achievements have earned Lance virtually every sports honor there is, making him a symbol of hope and inspiration to cancer survivors around the world.

Aside from being one of the most fit, determined and gifted athletes in the world, it is Lance’s humanity that makes him a miraculous individual. Within months of being diagnosed with cancer, Lance founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Initially established to benefit cancer research, promote urologic cancer awareness and the importance of early detection, the Foundation now focuses on being the world leader in the concept of "Cancer Survivorship" - helping people manage and survive cancer. Lance also established the Lance Armstrong Junior Olympic Race Series in 1995. The Series is a way for Lance to give back to the sport by promoting cycling and racing among America's youth.