"You've got to win in your mind before you win in your life."
-John Addison
Cyclist, Lance Armstrong, was born in Plano, Texas on September 18, 1971. At the young age of 13, he began to compete in triathlons, which combine a 1,000 meter swim, 15-mile bike ride, and three-mile run. A professional triathlete at age 16, he won the national sprint-course triathlon twice, in 1989 and 1990. Lance was a great swimmer and fast runner, but cycling was Armstrong's favorite and strongest event. He decides to focus only on cycling competitions, and wins the U.S. Amateur Cycling Championship in 1991. He turns professional the following year and his decision to concentrate on cycling turns to great success in the following years.
But in 1996, Armstrong was hit with the stunning news that he had cancer. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The cancer had also spread to his brain and lungs. It's been reported he had less than a 50/50 chance of survival. Frightened, yet determined to beat his cancer, Armstrong began aggressive chemotherapy treatments.
Within months of his diagnosis, he uses his personal experience to raise awareness about cancer and it's struggles. Armstrong establishes the Lance Armstrong Foundation which provides education and advocacy for cancer patients, and funds cancer research. He's also been quoted speaking of his cancer being "....the best thing that happened to me,"
Armstrong makes a miraculous recovery and sets his focus back to his passion, cycling. Although, his professional comeback got off to a rocky start, with his new focus and outlook on life, along with continued training, a determined Armstrong becomes unstoppable.
In 1999, he qualifies for the Tour de France, cycling's most prestigious race covering over more than 2,000 miles. The day is a victory for everyone inspired by his comeback, to all cancer patients, and most importantly to himself. He wins the Tour de France and adds 6 more consecutive Tour de France titles to his list of great achievements.
Lance Armstrong is a prime inspirational example of someone who BELIEVED in the beauty of his dreams, followed his passion, never gave up and beat great odds, and ACHIEVED unbelievable success. He won in his mind and in life before he won at the race.
Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne ~ Believe Achieve
Further Reading:
BELIEVE in the Beauty of Your Dreams Series:
Michelle Kwan
Tiger Woods
Michael Phelps
Lance Armstrong's believe is strong that it help him over come a lot pain. Which kept him say on track.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite by Lance Armstrong is: “Pain is temporary, it may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever”
Hi Giovanna!!
ReplyDeleteYes, Lance Armstrong, did indeed BELIEVE he could overcome any obstacle, which in turn he did just that!! We love the quote you shared with us. Thank you so much.
Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~
I think you're right on target here. Because he believed he would overcome his disease, he did, and in my opinion, that makes him more successful than before. Thanks for this inspirational post!
ReplyDeleteHi Angie!!
ReplyDeleteIt's incredible how our mind can heal the body. This certainly was Lance's greatest achievement. We think his experience empowered him in becoming a better athlete. He's unstoppable now!!
Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~