Lance Armstrong became a legend in the competitive cycling world when he overcame cancer to ride for seven straight Tour de France titles; more than any other cyclist in history. However, with such an incredible feat of athleticism came accusations that he had taken performance-enhancing drugs that put him at a competitive advantage against his peers. Armstrong has strongly denied these charges for years, and has taken thousands of drug tests to prove his innocence.
In June, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) formally charged Armstrong with using banned substances and conspiring with teammates in a systematic doping scheme. After consideration, Armstrong maintained his innocence to the press as he announced he would not fight the process, which he called "one-sided and unfair."
Officials from USADA and the World Anti-Doping Agency said that Armstrong's move proved that there was truth to the doping claims, and that it was a sad day for the culture of sports. Armstrong will be banned from competitive cycling for life, and will be stripped of his seven Tour titles and his Olympic bronze medal.
Quotes
"I refuse to participate in a process that is so one-sided and unfair." - Lance Armstrong.
"[Armstrong's] failure to rebut the -- the charges, those very serious charges, mean that he's effectively acknowledging that they had substance." -John Fahey, World Anti-Doping Agency.
Warm Up Questions
1. What is "doping" in sports?
2. Who is Lance Armstrong? What is he known for?
3. Why have people accused Lance Armstrong from doping over the years?
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think the government regulates drug use in sports?
2. Do you think Armstrong should have continued to fight the charges? Why or why not?
3. Do you agree with the decision to strip Armstrong of all his past awards? Why or why not?
Additional Resources
Science Of The Summer Olympics: Engineering In Sports
