Lance Armstrong Perceived Differently
By: Alexander Hassel
Updated: January 18, 2013
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, the disgraced cyclist admitted to doping during his career.
Many fans and bike enthusiasts feel double crossed.
"If I was younger, trying to be a pro, I would definitely feel cheated. I guarantee you that," says Jason Douglas, a bike enthusiast.
In fact, some involved in the bike culture aren't a bit surprised.
Those say Armstrong is just another example of corruption in professional sports, including cycling.
"Just like football and steroids, just like baseball and steroids, cycling has had drugs just like any other sport there's ever been that you can make a million dollars or more at," Douglas says.
Physical therapists at Spine and Sport work with athletes every day.
With tough competition, athletes are always looking for that leg up.
"From the standpoint of training and conditioning, speed, agility power, they're always looking for what's the best avenue to make them better on the field to win," says Fred Shonkwiler, a physical therapist at Spine and Sport.
Athletes find that edge not just with training, but physical therapy, and nutritional supplements.
"Nowadays, dietary agencies have approved supplements on their list, and so be real careful when you're looking for that next age, not to go too far," Shonkwiler says.
But with the pressure, some athletes choose to take that risk, and then, no one wants to be left behind.
"Everybody was doing it because their governing bodies kind of turned a blind eye so to speak," says Douglas.
Still, many feel let down by someone who has inspired so many in his career.
"To see somebody that you've watched over the years and set records, yeah he's lost the trust of Americans," says Shonkwiler says.
After an investigation, Armstrong was stripped of seven Tour de France titles in October.
Thursday the International Olympic Committee called on Armstrong to return the bronze medal he won in the 2000 Olympic games.


