Lance Armstrong is a famous American professional cyclist and one of the most prominent athletes in the world during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
He is best known for winning the prestigious Tour de France cycling race a record seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005.
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- Full name: Lance Armstrong
- Stage name: Lance Armstrong
- Date of birth: September 18, 1971
- Age: 52 years old
- Place of birth: Plano, Texas, United States
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Cyclist
- Height: 1.77m
- Parents: Linda Armstrong Kelly, Eddie Charles Gunderson and Terry Keith Armstrong,
- Siblings: Larry Armstrong and Sonnie Michaela Gunderson
- Spouse: Kristin Richard (married 1998-2003) and Anna Hansen (2022)
- Children: Luke Armstrong, Grace Armstrong, Isabelle Armstrong, Olivia Marie Armstrong and Max Armstrong.
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $50 million
Early life and education
Lance Armstrong was born on September 18, 1971 in Plano, Texas, United States. He was raised by his mother, Linda Armstrong Kelly, and his stepfather, Terry Keith Armstrong, who also raised him. His biological father’s name was Eddie Charles Gunderson, although he later passed away.
Armstrong grew up with two siblings – his brother Larry Armstrong and his sister Sonnie Michaela Gunderson. He attended Palmer High School as a child. Ethnically, Lance Armstrong identifies as white. Religiously, he was raised in the Christian faith.
Career
Lance Armstrong’s cycling career began in the early 1990s, when the American quickly established himself as a promising talent. He won the 1993 world championship and took several stage wins at the Tour de France. However, his career was interrupted in 1996 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain.
Despite a grim prognosis, Armstrong underwent aggressive treatment and made an incredible recovery. He returned to cycling in 1998 and began his climb to the top of the sport. Armstrong’s dominance of the Tour de France was unparalleled, with seven consecutive victories earning him the nickname “Le Boss”.
However, Armstrong’s success was marred by persistent allegations of doping. For years, he vehemently denied the allegations. However, in 2012, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) released a detailed report accusing Armstrong of being at the center of a sophisticated doping scheme.
The report includes testimony from former teammates and associates who have accused Armstrong of using performance-enhancing drugs.
In 2013, Armstrong finally admitted to doping throughout his career, ending years of denial.
As a result, he was stripped of all his Tour de France titles and banned from cycling for life. His confession marked the end of a career that was once celebrated but tainted by scandal.
Awards and nominations
- Tour around France
- Olympic medal
- ESPY Awards: Multiple ESPY Awards
- Laureus World Sports Awards
- Princess of Asturias Award
Social media
- Instagram Username: @lancearmstrong
- Facebook Name: Lance Armstrong
- Twitter Username: @lancearmstrong
Personal life
Lance Armstrong was previously married to Kristin Richard, an American actress. The couple married in 1998 but divorced in 2003. They had three children together before separating: Luke Armstrong, Grace Armstrong and Isabelle Armstrong.
Armstrong’s current wife is Anna Hansen. They have been in a relationship for several years and have two children together, Olivia Marie Armstrong and Max Armstrong. Armstrong and Hansen were married in France in 2022.
Net worth
Lance Armstrong, an American professional cyclist, author and speaker, has amassed an impressive net worth of $50 million, a testament to his remarkable career achievements.
As one of the world’s most successful athletes, Armstrong has left an indelible mark on the cycling community, overcoming many challenges to become a celebrity.
