Into the Depths with David: Scandal Ruins Armstrong’s Reputation, Shows Importance of Integrity in Sports

DAVID TAN
Staff Writer

Lance Armstrong was regarded as one of the best cyclists and athletes of all time. With his story of fighting cancer and still being able to be an athlete winning countless titles, he has inspired many, including myself.
He has won several cycling titles, including seven Tour de France titles and one Olympic bronze medal. Armstrong was also the chairman of the Livestrong Foundation, an organization designed to support patients with cancer.
However, in October, events took an unexpected turn as Armstrong’s use of illegal substances was exposed to the public; many did not expect that Armstrong’s achievements and titles were attributed to the use of banned substances. He also supplied these drugs to his teammates and others around him. His drug use was described as “the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sports has ever seen” by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
Although Armstrong hid it for most of his career, he has now been exposed and was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and his reputation, as well.
Cheating in sports is a significant problem that also happens on a smaller scale in high school sports. People are always trying to find ways to be the best and get ahead of the curve, even if those ways may challenge their ethics. Some student athletes have taken performance-enhancing drugs. Though it may feel good to be better than everyone else, students are only cheating themselves when they take enhancement drugs.
Cheating is a serious matter and comes with severe consequences. There are no shortcuts in life; to be the best, you have to work hard and make sacrifices. In Armstrong’s case, he was able to get away with cheating for a while, but his honor, dignity and achievements were eventually stripped from him.