Man for the ages

[Trojan]

More than an athlete ... Lance is yearbook king

Peter Schrager / FOXSports.com

Lance Armstrong's not just an athlete.

He's an inspiration, a champion and a symbol of strength.

He also happens to be a pop culture superstar. Like the guys from Good Charlotte or Paris Hilton's dog, Lance Armstrong has found himself a nice little niche in the color "Year in Review" section found in the back of high school yearbooks across the country. Like clockwork, every July you can count on three things: a Michael Bay/Jerry Bruckheimer blockbuster, the New York Mets bullpen blowing a few games, and Lance Armstrong winning the Tour de France.

That's right, Armstrong is on pace to win his seventh straight Tour de France. Winning seven straight sporting events is an incredible feat. Come to think of it, winning seven straight of anything is a miraculous accomplishment. Whether it be games of "Connect Four" or late-night "Madden" battles on the PS2, I have zero friends who've ever won seven consecutive contests. And yet, here's Armstrong — tight shorts and all — pulling away from a pack of professional cyclists yet again.

The unique part of Armstrong's dominance, though, is that I've never actually seen him compete in his sport. Nope. Never. Not once. And I'm certain I'm not alone.

Sure, I've caught highlights, and yes, I've seen him accept an ESPY award here and there. His face has graced the cover of Sports Illustrated numerous times, and he's got more endorsement deals than Nick and Jessica combined. But when it comes down to it, I've never watched Lance Armstrong ride a bicycle. I'm told that the Tour de France is on television every day on a network called OLN. Have I ever heard of this channel? Nope. Will I ever check to see if my cable provider carries this channel? Of course not. Truth be told, if given the choice between watching Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley sell treadmills and Lance Armstrong ride his bike up a mountain — I'd likely take the former.

And that's nothing against cycling! It's incredible what those men and women do. But, there's simply no denying the fact that, as a spectator sport—even with Armstrong leading the way — it just hasn't caught on in The States.

Which makes Lance's popularity all the more remarkable. In a way, he's like the movie The English Patient. Only true students of cinema have ever really seen the film, yet no one questions whether it was good or not. It just is. The same goes for the show "Freaks and Geeks." Ratings were terrible for the tragically short-lived program, but among twenty-somethings, it's generally regarded as one of the best television series ever produced. You don't need to actually sit down and watch Armstrong compete to know he is one of the greatest sportsmen of all-time. He just is. It's become common knowledge, and an accepted notion.



When his final legacy is solidified, Lance Armstrong's iconic status as a pop culture fixture may be even more important than his Tour de France victories. (Robert Laberge / Getty Images)

Armstrong's athletic achievements truly are incredible. But, the fact that 13-year-old girls could likely pick him out of a lineup is even more amazing. And why shouldn't they? He's a star. All the necessary requirements for celebrity status can be found on Armstrong's resume:

Pop star girlfriend? Sheryl Crow. Check.

Fashion Trend starter? The Livestrong Bracelets. Check.

Hip Wardrobe? Nike poster boy. Check.

Inspirational Story? Maybe the greatest one ever. Check.

But have these girls ever seen Armstrong compete? Actually watched him ride his bike through the Alps? Have any clue what a "stage" is? Probably not.

In the end, Lance Armstrong may be remembered for his decorated career as a cyclist. His record number of Tour de France championships is astounding, and his place in the hearts and minds of sports fans across the world is unparalleled. As a sportsman, he'll go down as one of the most revered figures ever.

But, his iconic status as a pop culture fixture may be even more important when his final legacy is solidified. For every yellow bracelet you see on the street — Lance pops in your head. For every Nike ad that brings you to tears — Lance pops in your head. For every time you're caught humming "Soak Up the Sun" in the shower — Lance pops in your head. His name has become synonymous with summer, and his face has become the logo for triumph.

In an age where the Internet captures every highlight, where talking heads have an opinion on everything, and where celebrities are treated like pieces of meat — Lance Armstrong, a professional cyclist, has emerged as one of the most recognized individuals of the decade.

So where do you place such a mega-star when he retires? A Hall of Fame of some sort? In a museum? On billboards in Times Square? How about an honorary spot in the color "Year in Review" section found in the back of the high school yearbook for the remainder of the decade? It's not like he hasn't been there before.

You can e-mail FOXSports.com contributor Peter Schrager at PeterSchrager@gmail.com.
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[Source]

I truly admire this man! -troj

[Trojan]

Lance Armstrong wins 7th consecutive Tour De France.