Little Rock, Pasternak, Mickey Mantle, Kerouac

Today represents the end of one of the most incredible stories in the history of sports. From the pit of a hospital bed to the podium of the Tour De France 7 times, Lance Armstrong has never ceased to amaze me. Each and every time that fans and critics have doubted that he could continue to dominate, he has risen to greater heights.

Perhaps the reason that he has captured such a strong place in the hearts and minds of people around the world is his sense of purpose and mission as an athlete. Most athletes are content to play their chosen sport and compete at a high level, but refuse to use the position that the American public puts them in, whether that position is justified or not. Lance has chosen to use his platform as the world's most recognizable cyclist to tell the story of strife and struggle that he experienced as a cancer survivor. Through Lance's voice, the voices of millions around the world have been heard in an attempt to further our knowledge of cancer treatment and prevention.

It appears that Lance's time as a cyclist is now done, and he will move on to being a full-time dad. I have no doubt though,that Lance will still be one of the leading figures in the cancer research and prevention field. His presence and sheer force of spirit is contagious to those of us who have had the gift of watching him climb mountains much greater than the Alps or the Pyrenees.

It has been a joy Lance. Thanks for letting us come along for the ride.