Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong Report

All of the work, training, health, and passion that Lance Armstrong possesses is amazing. Every obstacle that he has faced, he has not only survived but has also used to improve his personal and professional life. In the Tour de France, the goal of every competitor is the same, to prove they are the best cyclist in the world. Armstrong has proven this seven consecutive times.

Armstrong exemplifies Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs theory regarding one's motivation in life. The five needs discussed in this theory can be shown as a pyramid. The most basic needs, physiological needs, form the bottom; followed by security needs, then belongingness needs, esteem needs, with self-actualization being the top of the pyramid. Motivation evolves from the lowest level; these needs have to be met before you can move up the pyramid and reach self-actualization.

The first step of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is one's physiological needs for food, sex and air; things Armstrong has no problem satisfying. He eats a specific diet for his profession, as his body needs a diet tailored to the physical demands cycling places on his muscles. Such an intense competition as the Tour de France requires intense attention to one's diet. That Armstrong's need for food is satisfied is verified in the article "Incredible Eating Machine," which says Lance Armstrong eats between 6500 to 7000 calories per day. Being the father of three children, it is apparent that his need for sex is satisfied. It can be said that he takes the need for air to the next level, training in the mountains to increase his oxygen outtake.

In the article "The Tour de France: Lance Armstrong's Final Ride", Armstrong reveals how his security needs for housing, clothing and freedom from worry and anxiety have been fulfilled. In 2004, he earned $19.2 million. According to the luxist website, he owns a house on Lake Austin valued at $3.5 million. Armstrong owns his own company, and with his winnings, safe housing and clothing for himself and his family are not a concern. On April 15, 2005, Armstrong announced that, although he is still in his 30's, he may retire after winning the Tour de France for the seventh time.

Armstrong has also fulfilled the third step of belongingness, the need for love, affection and acceptance by peers. Engaged to Sheryl Crow, the two have been together for two years. His children are delighted by their wedding plans. Armstrong is close to his coach and his team, and is so close to his mother Linda that he initially turned down an invitation from the King of Norway "after finding his mother was not included in the invitation. Minutes later, the King invited both" (Wikipedia).

The fourth step in the hierarchy needs is the esteem needs for a positive self-image, self-respect and the respect of others. Armstrong is a hero to many people. Despite the odds, he fully recovered from testicular cancer. After severe treatments and several surgeries, he made a successful return to the cycling world. When accused of using drugs to perform on a higher level than his competitors, his self-respect propelled him become "preoccupied with clearing his name of the doping allegations" (Wikipedia).

Only a small percentage of the population reaches the highest level of self-actualization. I believe that Armstrong, has fulfilled this fifth step. Returning to cycling after almost losing his life to testicular cancer, he is energized, happy, loved, and focused. He is a dedicated competitor, possesses wisdom, has achieved harmony and his athletic goals.

Reaching this stage has not been easy. According to Edward Tolman's "The Expectancy Theory," Armstrong's success has required a lot of effort. When he was 17 years old, in order to practice with the