Arm(not)strong

Couple weeks ago the world was shocked by confession of Lance Armstrong, 7 times Tour de France winner and cancer survivor. He admitted using performance enhancement drug during his cycling career. And worse, he was suspected organizing drug supplement for his entire team to support his victory. The US anti doping body regarded this scandal as the most sophisticated and systematic doping scandal in sport history.

Many regard him not only as a sport superstar, but also a hero. He was the symbol of his respective sport, like Michael Jordan in basket ball, Tiger Wood in golf, Roger Federer in tennis, or Taufik Hidayat in badminton (Okay, the last one is my own opinion :). Even more dramatic, he achieved most of his victories after diagnosed with cancer and underwent series of chemotherapy. Cancer survivor itself is already extraordinary. Cancer survivor and 7 times Tour de France winner is superman. His life inspired many people, not only among cancer community. Outside his professional career, he is also actively involved in charity work through his Livestrong foundation. His book "Ït's not about the bike" became bestseller and inspired countless people, including myself. I bought the book back in 2007.

Now, after his confession, many people turn hating him. Many fans also stay to support him and blame the culture of the sport itself that force bikers to take drug. Armstrong is not the only biker using drug, and for sure will not be the last. Sponsors for sure leaving him. Many consider to sue him and try to squeeze every penny they invested to him. The last time I heard even US government considers to sue. His reputation now is shattered.

For sure I hear many times already celebrities, sport star, or public figure fall from grace due to scandal. But why this one really capture my attention? Because I bought the damn book! It moves me. It moves me because unlike other superstar, he started not from average..but from near death situation, a cancer survivor!

So what I have learned from Mr. Armstrong scandal:

• First, there is no such thing as superman. Human is human with all their talents and drawbacks. They rise and fall. 
• don't live a lie to get to your goal. It will be uncovered eventually no matter how smart you cover it. 
• be honest to yourself, live honest life and do not let people's judgment leads your way. 
• of course, don't use drugs 

At the same time I hope we do not lose faith for other superhero lives among us. Let's hope we can see heroes in our daily lives, who lives honest and inspirational life. I'm thinking now CNN heroes who spend most of his salary as pilot for international airliner to help education of orphans in East Timor. That's extraordinary!