The long-awaited television interview with Lance Armstrong, former star
of the cycling world, aired last night, and for the first time the American cyclist, winner of seven Tour de France titles, admitted to Oprah Winfrey that he used doping substances.

The Texan cyclist, 41 explained that taking performance enhancing drugs was just part of his job. Who could win the Tour seven times in a row (1999-2005) without dope? His cocktail was EPO transfusions and testosterone but he also made use of growth hormones at times.

How much pressure do they undergo? As a parent, I’m troubled by the sporting world and I wonder how safe it is for my boys to be so involved in organized team sports.

He says he’ll be spending the rest of his life trying to regain everyone’s trust.

Are athletes really the ones we should be wary of?

What’s your take on this topic?

Listen for the vocabulary in this podcast:

[audio http://audioboo.fm/boos/1162848-what-s-your-take-on-lance-armstrong.mp3]

 

Vocabulary Boost:

• long-awaited: expected
• former: previous
• aired: broadcast on TV
• undergo: experience
• I’m troubled by: I’m disturbed
• I wonder:  I am interested in knowing
• wary of: not have complete trust