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Armstrong is living strong in the Cape of Good Hope
Can there possibly be anyone in the civilised world who has not heard the name of Lance Armstrong, the seven-time winner of the Tour de France – the sporting equivalent of Everest which takes competitors three weeks over a 2 232.7-mile trek though the northern and southern tiers of France? Not only has he conquered all his competitors over mountain peaks, he has scaled the heights of personal turmoil and pain of life-threatening cancer and come down the other side, fit as a fiddle.
Hot on the heels of his return to international competition in his eighth appearance of the Tour de France last year (where he came third after a five-year ‘stint’ at retirement), he has arrived on the shores of the Cape of Good Hope to spread just that – good hope and encouragement to the children of the JAG Foundation.
“It is not my first visit to South Africa, but will be my first time to Cape Town. I have spoken to a number of people who have been and I am hoping to get in some sightseeing while I am down there,” Lance told Leadership magazine.
Armstrong’s visit, from 9 to 11 March, will aim to raise awareness about the importance of healthy lifestyles, positive role models and the power of sport in transforming youth communities.
“I’m looking forward to helping the JAG Foundation and its work with the youth of South Africa,” Lance says.
The JAG Foundation, a charitable organisation that uses sports-related programmes and positive role models to inspire affected youth in troubled communities to dream beyond their surroundings, has taken much encouragement from Lance’s commitment.
“We are so proud to announce Lance Armstrong’s involvement with the JAG Foundation, and we are incredibly appreciative of his support,” says JAG Foundation chief executive officer and Olympic heroine, Elana Meyer. “To have someone as globally influential as Lance help carry our message to the youth on our programmes, is truly a great opportunity.”
Lance and top local sporting celebrities will embark on a visit to a local school on 9 March and in addition to interacting with kids from the JAG community, Team Armstrong also will be demonstrating principles of healthy living.
Joined by renowned international cycling commentator Phil Liggett and local sports commentator Dan Nicholl, Lance then will address a 400-strong crowd on that evening at an exclusive banquet.
For South Africa’s cycling enthusiasts, Lance will be embarking on a 100km ride the following day.
A designated route exploring the scenic Cape has been confirmed, and riders then will be invited to attend an elite team dinner with Lance.
Day three will have Lance addressing a 700-strong crowd at a group breakfast, where he will provide inspiring insights into his sporting career to date as well as the Livestrong brand.
Considering that Lance’s visit happens to coincide with the world’s biggest cycle tour, the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, the inevitable question arose.
“Probably the most asked-about question that I get when I tell someone that I am going to Cape Town is, ‘Are you going to do the Argus?’.
“Thanks to the folks at the JAG Foundation for inviting us down now, as the timing worked out perfectly. I will be riding, as will my Team RadioShack mate and South African, Daryl Impey,” revealed Lance to Leadership. Hopefully, it will be the first of many cycle tours here.
Team RadioShack is a professional road bicycle racing team that Lance co-owns and leads.
He raced the Tour de France last year for no salary or bonuses, and the goal of his comeback was not to win an eighth Tour de France, but to spread global awareness of cancer. “When I finished in 2005, I thought I was done for good.
But a few events that I was in training for kind of lit the internal competitive fire and I seriously thought about coming back.” Lance admitted. “I discussed it with my family and close friends and had their support. But more importantly than returning to the Tour, we as a Foundation were able to raise awareness about a global epidemic that will touch everyone regardless of race, gender or location.”
He plans to race the Tour de France again this year and Leadership asked him if he has set his sights higher for 2010?
“I will try to be as prepared as possible,” he said. “I don’t know if that equals victory. In 2001, I could say that, ‘Yeah, I think I can win.’ I won’t say that today because I simply don’t know. I have a fair bit of confidence, but I don’t have that kind of confidence — yet.”
Taking one stage at a time and winning against all odds is what Lance does best.
What makes his triumphs even more amazing is that three years prior to his first win of the Tour de France in 1999, he was a huge underdog in a battle against advanced testicular cancer.
Although one testicle was removed immediately, he required more surgery to remove the cancer that had spread to his brain.
It was hoped that chemotherapy would shrink the dozen or so golf ball-sized nodules of testicular cancer that had spread to both his lungs.
According to his book, It’s Not About the Bike (Putman), his largest benefactor was himself.
In much the way he prepared doggedly and meticulously for these big races, Lance, fighting for his life, did his homework. He read up on the disease, sought the advice of those close to him and sought second and third opinions from oncology experts.
Lance, practically dying from the disease and [reeling from the] shock of his recent diagnosis, hauled his bike-saddle-hardened butt out of his hometown and across the country to where he thought he’d find the best treatment.
Let us not quibble over what made the difference in his survival – the epidemiology, his professional conditioning, which cancer centre he chose or any other variables. Lance listened, did his homework and, stone-cold scared, made his choice. Obviously, it was a good one.
Not everyone marvelled at his incredible achievements, though. In Europe, it simply could not be fathomed that an American was thrashing the entire field thoroughly.
The French press insinuated that perhaps performance-enhancing drugs were added to his chemotherapy regimen.
Critics suggested this would help explain his dominance throughout the seven years of victories.
Lance continually has denied using “illegal” performance-enhancing drugs and has described himself as “the most tested athlete in the world”.
On 17 March 2009, the French Anti-doping Agency tested Lance for the 24th time in the last year and the test was negative for performance-enhancing drugs.
His determination, focus and willingness to invest everything he has toward achieving his goals is truly remarkable and inspiring. Who has been his role model?
“Without question, my role model is my mother. She was the one who encouraged me from an early age to pursue the things that I wanted to do. She was my mom first, but also my coach, cheerleader and my inspiration,” says Lance.
So where to from here, one wonders?
“I tell people all the time that we at the Foundation are still in business, so we have a lot of work to do.
“In 10 years, I would think I would still be involved in the bike business, whether through ownership or my sponsors,” added Lance.
“I will tell you that I look forward to closing the doors of the Livestrong organisation because that would mean we have completed the job.”
What advice would he give to Leadership readers to reach their own goals?
“Hard work. Whatever the job is, there are always going to be people just as, if not more talented, but I think it’s that little extra effort that really makes the difference,” he said.
One would think that conquering cancer and seven Tour de France races would be the pinnacles of his life so far, but Lance said they were not.
“Raising kids is the biggest and most rewarding challenge anyone will face. I try to instill in my children a sense of respect for others. I think that is a very important quality and one that goes a long way in life.”
And what about politics? Lance has hinted at a future in politics. He has inspired millions of Americans to wear yellow Livestrong bracelets, so he certainly has a base.
Never say never, he told TIME magazine about his political ambitions. “I’m a fighter, and I do have certain beliefs. I don’t think I’m truly cut out for it, but if people want it one day, who knows?”
Ten Tours de France, or Senator Armstrong in 10 years? If we have to settle for elections, his greatest wins may still be down the road. ▲
What is the JAG Foundation?
The JAG Sports and Education Foundation, headed by Olympic medallist Elana Meyer, launched in April 2007. It has made a difference to more than 25 000 children in the short space of time that it has been operational by using sport and education as a weapon against drugs and crime.
“The Foundation supports children using schools as a vehicle and sport as the fuel. The future of South Africa depends on nourishing our children, ensuring they are first and foremost protected from the harm of drugs and gangsterism; and secondly that they have access to the opportunities to be fit and healthy, to increase their self-worth and to help them focus on their studies,” said Meyer. ”Our mission at JAG is to give young people opportunities and pride in themselves, enhancing personal development and promoting leadership and peace.”
The Foundation was founded by Greg James, an accomplished and committed sports person and managing director of the Sagitta Group. “This country is a field of opportunities. I was motivated to bring together great people through the JAG Foundation who have the ability to unlock the door to a better future for all,” said Greg.
Greg and Elana successfully have formed alliances with similar initiatives as well as sporting personalities in order to increase awareness and support of its efforts. The Foundation includes Springbok wing Ashwin Willemse, former Springbok Robbie Fleck, former provincial cricketer Evert Ferreira and Kenyan marathon runner, Tegla Loroupe. For more information go to www.jagfoundation.org.za
Support Lance’s fund-raising efforts by SMS’ing “Lance for JAG” to 38213.
All proceeds go to the JAG Foundation.
What is the Livestrong Foundation?
The Livestrong Foundation is also known as The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF).
It believes that in the battle with cancer, unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF provides the practical information and tools required by people living with cancer in order for them to live strong. The LAF’s mission is to inspire and empower people with cancer to live strong, through education, advocacy, public health and research programmes.
Armstrong says, “At the Lance Armstrong Foundation, we fight for the 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. There can be – and should be – life after cancer for more people. That’s why we kick in at the moment of diagnosis, giving people the resources and support they need to fight cancer head-on. We find innovative ways to raise awareness, fund research and end the stigma about cancer that many survivors face.
”We connect people and communities to drive social change, and we call for state, national and world leaders to help fight this disease. Anyone, anywhere can join our fight against cancer. Join us at www.LIVESTRONG.org.”
Robbie Stammers
