It has never been about celebrating a win with others, but the act of winning....the attention that follows.....and ultimately being # 1 (at least for Lance and others). The best athlete I have ever known did not have killer instinct to slash the rules to get ahead. In many ways he did get ahead and it is clear in his life today. You can win races.....lie how you got there.....but, what does all that mean when you cross the finish line later in life?

Personally, I don't have anything against Lance or what he did and why he did it. I do have a problem that Oprah used his story to get viewers and even worse he accepted this platform (wonder what he got paid?). I have a better idea Lance.....blow off TV......and write a letter that you sign listing what you did wrong and what you are going to do to make things right? There is no question he has to earn trust all over again which may never be earned. Here is another idea.....sell your luxuries in life and live the simple life and take the proceeds and pay back those who believed your lies. Probably not easy to measure how Lance could do this, but it shows good faith. Perhaps tour the country on your own dime with out a bike......and express your humility and apologize to the kids who idolize you. Bring yourself to personal platforms to ask for forgiveness....and keep the torch alive to raise cancer research dollars. That you did right my friend........however, coming in second or third with honor trumps coming in first and hurting others to get there.

As I get older I find my own idols to be ordinary people that have done extraordinary things and look for no recognition.