Lance Armstrong: Racing for His Life

He is a world class cyclist, a three time winner of the Tour de France, an accomplished triathlon athlete, and a cancer survivor. Lance Armstrong was at the peak of his career and his physical conditioning when he discovered he had testicular cancer. A fighter from his first athletic competitions, the fierce competitor refused to let cancer take away his career, his health or his life. After a grueling bout of chemotherapy, Lance Armstrong went on to win the Tour de France three times — an accomplishment few can boast. BIOGRAPHY looks at the life and career of this remarkable man, from his darkest hours to his greatest triumphs. Lance Armstrong: Racing for his Life would be useful for classes on American History and Culture, Sports History, Physical Education and Health. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

OBJECTIVES

• Brash
• Catapult
• Disciplinarian
• Lucrative
• Malignant
• Mortality
• Oncologist
• Profane
• Prognosis
• Speculation
• Stamina
• Toxic

1. Lance Armstrong is a true American hero. How do you define a hero? Who else would you consider a hero?

2. What is courage? How does one exhibit courage? How did Lance Armstrong exhibit courage?

3. Lance Armstrong gained worldwide notice when he won the Tour de France. Why is this race so important? Why is it known as the hardest race in the world of professional cycling?

4. Discuss some of the difficulties Lance Armstrong experienced during his childhood?

5. Discuss how Armstrong used his anger as "competitive fuel."

6. Armstrong competed in triathlons before he became a professional cyclist. What is a triathlon? How is it different from other sporting competitions?

7. Armstrong is uniquely suited to cycling because of his body. How are his physical characteristics perfect for the sport?

8. Chris Carmichael was Lance Armstrong's coach on the National Team. What did Carmichael contribute to the grooming of Armstrong as a world class athlete?

9. Discuss some of the problems Armstong's attitude has caused over the years.

10. Armstrong had testicular cancer. What is testicular cancer? What are the symptoms?

11. Armstrong states that "chemotherapy is war." Explain how and why Armstrong views chemotherapy as war.

12. Why was Armstrong's victory in the Tour de France such a momentous occasion for Armstrong, the United States, and the sport?

13. How and why did the European media try to discredit Armstrong and his victory?

14. What was the reaction in the United States to Armstrong's Tour de France victory?

1. Research testicular cancer on the Internet and use your data to create a poster of its symptoms and warning signs.

2. Design a commemorative medal for Lance Armstrong's victories.

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Air Dates

• December 31, 2004