Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong's courageous story has inspired people across the globe. After his promising career was seemingly cut short by cancer, Armstrong proved to himself and the world that with hard work and perseverance, he could come back and accomplish his dreams.
Armstrong started his career early. At the age of 13, he won the Iron Kids Triathlon. At 16, he joined the professional cycling world. During his senior year of high school, Armstrong trained with the U.S. Olympic cycling team in Colorado.
When he first entered the world of competitive cycling, Armstrong was a promising young cyclist who quickly made a name for himself. By 1991, he was the U.S. National Amateur Champion. By 1996, Armstrong was the No. 1 ranked cyclist in the world and a member of the U.S. Olympic Cycling Team in Atlanta.
In October of 1996, Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer that was revealed to have spread to his lungs and brain. Armstrong began aggressive chemotherapy treatment, which was successful. Soon after his diagnosis, Armstrong formed the Lance Armstrong Foundation to help others overcome their struggles with cancer. His chances of survival had originally been less than 50 percent, but Armstrong struggled through and soon was back to full health, though he didn't know if he would ever be able to race again.
After he tried to compete in a Paris-Nice race in 1998 and failed to complete the Tour, many were sure Armstrong's career was over. But they were wrong. Armstrong went on to win his first Tour de France in 1999. He then added six more consecutive Tour victories to that list, breaking the record for career Tour victories and inspiring people everywhere to overcome their difficulties to achieve greatness. Besides earning countless athletic honors, Armstrong's work with the Lance Armstrong Foundation has provided information and hope for cancer victims and funding for cancer research.
"Lance Armstrong brings a powerful message to our graduates and commencement guests: Never give up," University President Lawrence Bacow said when announcing Amstrong's presence at Commencement. "His perseverance on the bike and in life sets an extraordinary example for all who seek to overcome obstacles and achieve their highest goals. We are honored to have him at Tufts."
Now retired from cycling, Armstrong will be receiving an honorary doctorate of humane letters.
