December 09, 2002
Better Late Than Never
In a move that's about three years overdue, Sports Illustrated has named 4-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong its 2002 Sportsman of the Year. Even if he never won a Tour de France, never mind four in a row, Armstrong would be an athlete, and a man, that millions ought to emulate just for his valiant fight against the Testicular Cancer that nearly took his life.
To think that he essentially fought his way back from one foot in the grave to the pinnacle of his sport is another matter entirely. And now, to realize he's about to engrave his name beside the all-time greats of his sport, one where few Americans have barely left more than a ripple (with the notable exception of Greg LeMond), is more breathtaking still.
With all due respect to the U.S. Women's World Cup Championship Team (1999 Winner), Tiger Woods (2000 Winner), or Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling (2001 Winners), this is an honor Armstrong deserved long ago. In fact, as I watched the video of Armstrong taking his fourth straight Tour this past Summer, I remember wondering how many Tours Armstrong would have to win in a row before Sports Illustrated began to notice.
Lance Armstrong is simply a man for all seasons; the Sportsman of the Year, for this year, or for any other. Congratulations to Armstrong, and good luck in his assault to win his fifth Tour in a row next Summer.
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Amen. It is overdue. I am a basball fan but was shocked at last year's selection, over Armstrong.
Posted by:
at December 11, 2002 03:02 AM
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