Fans, Foundation Stick by Armstrong Amid Scandal

Lance Armstrong's reputation has fallen across the world, but in hometown Austin, many are still standing by the scandal-ridden cyclist.

Published

7 months ago

Categories

Sports

People

Lance Armstrong

Places

France, Texas, Austin

Companies

Livestrong

Transcript

SCRIPT: Austin, the capital of Texas -- home to a thriving bike culture -- and to seven-time Tour de France champion, Lance Armstrong. But even here, the doping scandal has tainted the cyclist's name and rocked people's faith. SOUNDBITE 1 James McLaughlin (man), Austin resident (English, 10 sec): "I think it is certainly a shame what he did, that he was using steroids, that they have proof of. I'm not quite sure what I feel about taking away his titles". But cancer-survivor Armstrong - who denied doping throughout his extraordinary career - still has staunch supporters in his hometown. SOUNDBITE 2 Brent Porter (man), Austin resident (English, 7 sec): "I don't consider him as a doping athlete any more than any other athlete. Maybe just some get caught I guess, and some don't." SOUNDBITE 3 Lana Dale (woman), Austin resident (English, 9 sec): "I'm a cancer survivor so Lance will always be my hero because of cancer and what he has done for cancer". A paradox in the world of sports -- while Armstrong was allegedly doping himself to victory, he was also raising some 450 million dollars for his cancer charity -- the Livestrong foundation. But when the scandal came to a head, he decided to quit as chairman. SOUNDBITE 4 Katherine McLane (woman), Livestrong, VP of communications and external affairs (English, 11 sec): "Lance's direction was 'stay focused on your work. Do not be distracted'. And that's exactly what we've done. Has it been tough? Absolutely. But have we kept ourselves focused, kept ourselves devoted to serving people? Absolutely!" Livestrong is hoping to weather the storm -- even with Armstrong remaining on its board. As for the 41-year-old, who's been dropped by his biggest sponsors like Nike and faces being stripped of his Tour titles, the foundation may well be his last refuge, for now. ------------ SHOTLIST: AUSTIN, TEXAS, OCTOBER 18, 2012, SOURCE: AFPTV - Capitol building in Austin - VAR inside Mellow Johnny's bike shop - VAR of people cycling around Austin SOUNDBITE 1 James McLaughlin - VAR inside Mellow Johnny's bike shop SOUNDBITE 2 Brent Porter SOUNDBITE 3 Lana Dale - VAR of Lana Dale browsing - low-angle shot of a man on his bike - pan of the Livestrong building with mural - CU of mural - VP of communication walking past wall of jerseys SOUNDBITE 4 Katherine McLane - VAR inside Livestrong - VAR of Armstrong posters - VAR of framed Armstrong jerseys hanging on the wall