Editor’s nothe: This story was originally published on Jan. 14, 2025.
A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On Jan. 14, 2013, cyclist Lance Armstrong ended a decade of denial by confessing to Oprah Winfrey during a videotaped interview that he’d used performance-enhancing drugs to win the Tour de France seven consecutive times.
Armstrong was one of the most famous athletes of all time, elevating cycling’s popularity in the U.S. Armstrong’s success came after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996 at age 25. After chemotherapy, he founded the nonprofit Livestrong, won a record seven consecutive Tour de France titles from 1999 and 2005, reached celebrity status and supported many good causes.
He spent years denying that he took performance-enhancing drugs before coming clean in the Oprah special. He admitted to using testosterone, human growth hormone and EPO and taking blood transfusions.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency formally charged him with doping. Armstrong chose not to appeal and was stripped of all his titles since 1998, including the Tour de France wins and his Olympic medal.
The Deseret News shared many stories during Armstrong’s triumphs and during his fall from stardom. Now, most news coverage of Armstrong is in the opinion category. Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about Armstrong and his legacy:
“Lance Armstrong to admit doping in Oprah interview”
“Lance Armstrong tries to be contrite but just can’t pull it off”
“5 questions with Lance Armstrong”
“Rock: Manti Te’o, Lance Armstrong, Wilt Chamberlain and other hoax sports stories”
“I hope Lance Armstrong told Oprah the truth”
“Prosecutors close Lance Armstrong inquiry, no charges”
