This refers to the editorial “The harder they fall” (Oct. 27). Lance Armstrong’s fall from grace has come as a rude shock to many of his fans and followers who considered the celebrated cyclist and cancer survivor an idol. The man who once personified courage, will and determination is now being portrayed as a bully who used his god-like status in the cycling world to threaten and browbeat his team mates into silence about his drug abuse and illicit blood transmissions. Armstrong has not only lost his titles and sponsors but also the goodwill of the public.
However, it is important to remember that cycling as a sport is notorious for doping. Armstrong hasn’t done anything that most of his predecessors or successors haven’t done or won’t do. The reason this particular case has resulted in such public outcry is Armstrong is much more than a champion athlete. He has been a source of inspiration to millions around the world. The problem with placing people on a pedestal is that their fall is, indeed, harder.
Devdutta Mukhopadhyay,
Hyderabad
