Paul Coster, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Why we think Lance Armstrong is a Type 3
Drive and ambition. Armstrong's relentless pursuit of success in cycling, his fight against cancer, and his work with the Livestrong Foundation all exemplify his ambitious nature. He was highly successful in the world of professional cycling, winning seven consecutive Tour de France titles.
Demeanor. Armstrong’s demeanor, both on and off the bike, is that of a fierce competitor who is not afraid of challenges. He comes across as self-assured, confident, and like he has something to prove.
Ignoring moral and ethical concerns. Armstrong's willingness to use banned substances and engage in blood doping to enhance his performance, despite knowing the ethical implications and potential consequences, is an example of his propensity to prioritize success over integrity.
Intimidation and manipulation. Armstrong was known to be intimidating and manipulative towards teammates and others who questioned his methods or threatened to expose his doping activities. This behavior demonstrates an unhealthy focus on maintaining his image and success at all costs.
Image-consciousness. Armstrong went to great effort to counter doping allegations and maintain the image of a heroic cancer survivor.
Lawsuits and legal battles. Armstrong engaged in several lawsuits and legal disputes to protect his reputation and success. For example, he sued the Sunday Times for libel when they published an article implying that he used performance-enhancing drugs.
Prioritizing image over relationships. Armstrong's intense focus on maintaining his image and winning at all costs strained many of his personal and professional relationships, leading to conflicts with teammates (including Tyler Hamilton and Floyd Landis), friends, and family members.
Endorsement deals and focus on marketing himself. Throughout his career, Armstrong secured numerous endorsement deals with major brands like Nike, Oakley, and Trek Bicycles. His ability to attract and maintain these partnerships speaks to his focus on presenting a successful and marketable image.
Determination in the face of adversity. After being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996, Armstrong showed determination and resilience by not only beating the disease but also returning to professional cycling and winning his first Tour de France in 1999. The reason Armstrong returned to professional cycling after his cancer diagnosis was because of an insatiable determination to achieve his goals. In a 2009 interview with GQ about his comeback, he said, "I already got my health...now I have something to prove."
Philanthropy and public image. Armstrong founded the Livestrong Foundation in 1997, which has raised millions of dollars for cancer research and support. In her 2012 book 'Cycle of Lies: The Fall of Lance Armstrong', Juliet Macur, a New York Times journalist, writes that Armstrong leveraged the foundation to bolster his reputation and deflect any suspicion of doping. Macur interviews former teammates, friends, and associates to show how Armstrong hid behind his charitable work to maintain his image.
Comeback attempts. Armstrong retired from professional cycling in 2005 but made a comeback in 2009, aiming to win his eighth Tour de France. Although he did not win, his return illustrates his constant drive for achievement and a desire to re-establish his place in the sport.
Media engagements and public appearances. His 2013 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where he admitted to doping, is a prime example of seeking the spotlight to regain control of his narrative.
Reinventing his career. After the fallout from his doping scandal, Armstrong pivoted to new ventures, such as launching a podcast called "The Forward" and engaging in public speaking events. These endeavors show his ability to adapt and seek attention in different ways.
Lance Armstrong quotes that show he is a Type 3
"Two things scare me. The first is getting hurt. But that's not nearly as scary as the second, which is losing."
"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever."
"I take nothing for granted. I now have only good days or great days."
"Hard work, sacrifice and focus will never show up in tests."
"I figure the faster I pedal, the faster I can retire."
"If you worried about falling off the bike, you'd never get on."
"The truth is, if you asked me to choose between winning the Tour de France and cancer, I would choose cancer. Odd as it sounds, I would rather have the title of cancer survivor than winner of the Tour, because of what it has done for me as a human being, a man, a husband, a son, and a father."
"I believe in living strong. That means having the mental toughness to overcome obstacles and setbacks, and to keep going when others would quit."
"I'm sorry for you. I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles."
"My actions and reactions, while they were way out of line, they were a result of a long process of being in the crosshairs, being questioned, being under the microscope."