A GIANT Among Men

A GIANT Among Men

"They can say whatever they want, I'm not back on my bike for them."

So what can you say about this man that hasn't already been said? What inspirational quote can we shine a light on that we don't all already know off by heart? The answer is nothing and none. So quite simply the very little we're left with to say is this :

'Actions speak louder than words' and in this regard Armstrong's return to the sport of cycling in 2009 on a self proclaimed mission to drive cancer awareness and money for research, appears (from the outside) to be yielding huge success. His Livestrong campaign and the extent to which he has driven it from the front, has undoubtedly re raised the threat of cancer and the plight of its victims in everyone's consciousnous. And the money raised from all corners, from sponsors to artists to the general public is sure to be huge (Who wouldn't want a Damien Hirst diamond studded road weapon for their dream garage collection?)

We know HOW he has achieved great things - his 7 Tour De France titles beating cancer along the way - all down to the strength, determination and bloody-mindedness that make him an icon of the modern era. But this campaign, this year, with 2 years out of the saddle with nothing left to prove to himself or anyone else, WHY has he done this? Why put himself through it. The cynics can keep their answers. Or not. It's for each of us to decide. But for me, where I'm sat, I'll go on record and say that I don't care. For me his contribution to a higher cause in 2009 is his single biggest achievement and that what makes him a modern day saint. A GIANT of a man. Not that he cares for a second what I or anyone else think and for me it's that bullit proof mental toughness which makes him icon, saint and a personal hero. And if anyone thinks he won't be on the top step in 2010 I'll take your money now ...

"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or even a day, or a year but eventually it will subside and something else will take it's place. If I quit however, it lasts forever."

Lance Armstrong - Cyclist, Philanthropist, Icon