Former American cyclist Lance Armstrong, who was stripped of 7 Tour de France titles for doping, has announced the end of his alcohol addiction, reports Efe. And he did so by posting a message on social media with the slogan "That was then, this is now".
Armstrong (Texas, 53 years old), explains on his social media that he has found inspiration in that phrase over the last decade, within "an interesting life" that led him to setbacks such as being caught in sports doping and alcohol addiction.
"A year ago today, I decided that my relationship with alcohol was over and that it was no longer the best for me. And not the best for my family, my friends, my team, and my community either," Armstrong points out.
Now, the former cycling champion from 1999 to 2005, with the aforementioned consequences, the same one who overcame cancer in the 90s, reflects on his latest battle to overcome alcohol.
"I believe that everything in life should be seen as an asset or a liability. A positive or a negative aspect. Alcohol had become a liability, a negative and a negative factor for me. That was my decision and today, I feel it has been the best decision I have made in my life," he explains.
The former rider for Astana and Radio Shack, among other teams, turned in time when he began to see serious difficulties in his life. "Six months ago, I mentioned that I had heard an 'inner voice'. A year into this journey, I still hear that voice, only now it says to me: 'Hello Lance, I am very proud of you,' and it brightens my day every time I hear it.
Armstrong is grateful to his wife "for her incredibly supportive help over the past 12 months." "Darling, you are my salvation and I love you immensely," Armstrong acknowledges.
The former German cyclist Jan Ullrich, a historic rival of Armstrong in races, also struggled for years with alcohol and drug addiction.
Armstrong provided assistance to Ullrich, with whom he established a close friendship. The American helped the German, and both have often trained together in recent months. A common story, for now with a positive outcome.