Lance Armstrong Marriages and Relationships Revealed
A Brief History of the Cyclist's Marriages
Lance Armstrong, the renowned cyclist and LIVESTRONG founder, has had two notable marriages in his lifetime. His current wife is Anna Hansen Armstrong, whom he married in August 2022 at the Château La Coste in France.
Armstrong's first marriage was to Kristin Richard, with whom he has three children: Luke, Isabelle, and Grace. After their divorce, Armstrong was briefly engaged to singer Sheryl Crow, though they never married. He later entered a long-term relationship with Anna Hansen in 2008.
Armstrong and Hansen were together for nine years before getting engaged in 2017. Their relationship endured through Armstrong's highly publicized doping scandal and subsequent fall from grace in the cycling world. The couple has two children together, Max and Olivia, and their marriage in 2022 was described by Armstrong as an intimate ceremony with close friends and family.
Lance Armstrong's Marriages and Relationships
Lance Armstrong's romantic life has involved several significant relationships, including two marriages and a high-profile engagement. His partners have played important roles during different stages of his cycling career and personal life.
Marriage to Kristin Richard
Lance Armstrong married Kristin Richard in 1998. The couple met at a press conference in 1997 while Armstrong was battling testicular cancer. Their relationship blossomed quickly, and they tied the knot shortly after Armstrong's recovery.
During their marriage, Kristin supported Armstrong through his return to professional cycling and his Tour de France victories. The couple had three children together: Luke and twins Isabelle and Grace.
However, the pressures of Armstrong's career and fame took a toll on their relationship. After five years of marriage, Armstrong and Richard divorced in 2003.
Engagement to Sheryl Crow
Following his divorce, Armstrong began dating Grammy-winning singer Sheryl Crow in 2003. Their relationship garnered significant media attention, combining the worlds of sports and music.
Armstrong and Crow announced their engagement in September 2005. The couple seemed well-matched, both being successful in their respective fields and sharing interests in cycling and philanthropy.
However, their engagement was short-lived. In February 2006, just five months after announcing their plans to marry, Armstrong and Crow called off their engagement. The split was reportedly due to differing views on marriage and starting a family.
Relationship with Anna Hansen
Armstrong's longest and current relationship is with Anna Hansen. The couple began dating in 2008 and have built a life together over the past 16 years.
Armstrong and Hansen have two children: Max and Olivia. Their relationship has endured through challenging times, including Armstrong's public fall from grace due to doping scandals.
After a long courtship, Armstrong and Hansen married in August 2022. The intimate ceremony took place at Château La Coste in France, with close friends and family in attendance.
Their marriage marks a new chapter in Armstrong's personal life, seemingly providing stability after his tumultuous past relationships.
Family Dynamics
Lance Armstrong's family life encompasses two significant partnerships and five children. His family expanded through marriage, divorce, and a long-term relationship.
Children with Kristin Richard
Lance Armstrong and Kristin Richard married in 1998 and had three children together. Their first child, Luke Armstrong, was born in 1999. In 2001, the couple welcomed twin daughters, Isabelle and Grace Armstrong.
The family faced challenges during Armstrong's cycling career, balancing his demanding schedule with family life. Despite their efforts, Armstrong and Richard divorced in 2003.
Life with Anna Hansen and Their Kids
After his divorce, Armstrong began a relationship with Anna Hansen in 2008. The couple had two children together: Maxwell Edward Armstrong, born in 2009, and Olivia Marie Armstrong, born in 2010.
Armstrong and Hansen maintained a long-term partnership for 14 years before marrying in 2022. Their wedding in France was a joyful celebration with all five of Armstrong's children present.
The blended family has been seen together at various events, showcasing their strong bonds. Armstrong has spoken about the importance of family and his role as a father to his five children.
Cycling Career and Controversies
Lance Armstrong's cycling career was marked by remarkable achievements and devastating scandals. His Tour de France victories propelled him to global fame, but doping allegations ultimately led to his downfall.
Tour de France Achievements
Armstrong dominated professional cycling in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He won the Tour de France an unprecedented seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005. His success was particularly inspiring as he had overcome testicular cancer in 1996.
Armstrong's aggressive riding style and strategic acumen set him apart from his competitors. He excelled in mountain stages and time trials, often gaining significant advantages over his rivals.
His victories brought renewed interest in cycling, especially in the United States. Armstrong became a household name and a symbol of perseverance.
Doping Scandal and Fall from Grace
In 2012, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency accused Armstrong of using performance-enhancing drugs throughout his career. He was stripped of all his Tour de France titles and banned from competitive cycling for life.
Armstrong initially denied the allegations but later admitted to doping in a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2013. He confessed to using EPO, testosterone, and blood transfusions to enhance his performance.
The scandal tarnished Armstrong's legacy and reputation. He lost numerous sponsorships and was forced to step down from Livestrong, the cancer charity he founded.
The revelations shook the cycling world and led to increased scrutiny of doping practices in professional sports.
Health Battles and Cancer Advocacy
Lance Armstrong faced a life-changing health crisis that shaped his future advocacy work. His personal battle with cancer led to significant charitable efforts and increased awareness for the disease.
Testicular Cancer Fight
In 1996, at age 25, Armstrong was diagnosed with stage three testicular cancer. The cancer had spread to his lungs, abdomen, and brain. He underwent aggressive treatment, including surgery to remove a testicle and chemotherapy.
Armstrong's chances of survival were initially given as less than 50%. However, he approached his cancer fight with the same determination he showed in cycling. After months of treatment, Armstrong was declared cancer-free in February 1997.
His recovery was considered remarkable by medical professionals. The experience profoundly impacted Armstrong's life and career, motivating him to help others facing similar battles.
Charity Work and Cancer Awareness
Following his recovery, Armstrong became a prominent advocate for cancer research and support. In 1997, he established the Lance Armstrong Foundation, later renamed Livestrong.
The foundation raised over $500 million for cancer support programs. It provided resources for cancer patients, funded research, and promoted awareness through various initiatives.
Armstrong's yellow Livestrong wristbands became a global symbol of cancer support. Over 80 million were sold, raising funds and visibility for the cause.
His high-profile status as a cancer survivor and champion cyclist helped bring attention to testicular cancer. Armstrong's openness about his diagnosis encouraged men to seek early detection and treatment.
Public Image and Media Presence
Lance Armstrong's public image has undergone significant shifts over the years. His presence on social media and statements in interviews have played key roles in shaping public perception.
Presence on Social Media
Armstrong maintains an active presence on Instagram, sharing glimpses of his life in Texas and personal relationships. His posts often feature cycling-related content, family moments, and philanthropic activities. Armstrong's social media strategy appears focused on rebuilding his image and connecting with supporters.
He uses platforms to promote his podcast and business ventures. Armstrong's follower count, while substantial, reflects the impact of his doping scandal on his popularity. His social media engagement levels vary, with some posts generating significant interaction from fans and critics alike.
Interviews and Public Statements
Armstrong has participated in high-profile interviews, including a notable appearance on The Howard Stern Show. In these conversations, he often addresses his past, the doping scandal, and its impact on his life and career.
His public statements tend to be candid, acknowledging past mistakes while also highlighting his current endeavors. Armstrong frequently discusses his family life and relationships in interviews, presenting a more personal side to the public.
Media appearances have become less frequent over time, but Armstrong continues to make strategic public statements. He often uses interviews to promote his podcast and business interests, balancing personal topics with professional pursuits.
Post-Cycling Career Activities
Lance Armstrong transitioned into various pursuits after his professional cycling career ended. He embraced endurance sports and explored business opportunities to maintain his competitive spirit and financial stability.
Involvement in Marathons and Running Events
Armstrong took up long-distance running after retiring from cycling. He competed in the New York City Marathon in 2006, finishing in 2 hours and 59 minutes. This impressive debut sparked his interest in the sport.
He went on to participate in other marathons, including Boston and Chicago. Armstrong's running career helped him stay connected to the endurance sports community.
His involvement in these events also raised funds for cancer research through his Livestrong Foundation.
Business Ventures and Personal Investments
Armstrong diversified his portfolio with several business ventures. He invested in Château La Coste, a winery and art center in Provence, France.
The former cyclist also became a minority owner of the Nashville SC Major League Soccer team in 2020. This move expanded his interests into professional sports ownership.
Armstrong launched WEDU, a content and event company focused on endurance sports. The venture aligns with his athletic background and entrepreneurial spirit.
His net worth, once estimated at over $125 million, fluctuated significantly due to legal battles and lost sponsorships. However, Armstrong's business acumen has helped him maintain financial stability.
Personal Life and Background
Lance Armstrong's personal life has been marked by high-profile relationships and a complex family history. His journey from a small-town upbringing to global fame shaped his romantic pursuits and public image.
Early Years and Upbringing
Lance Armstrong was born on September 18, 1971, in Plano, Texas. His mother, Linda Armstrong Kelly, raised him as a single parent after separating from his biological father, Eddie Charles Gunderson, when Lance was young.
Linda's influence was significant in Armstrong's life. She worked multiple jobs to support her son and encouraged his athletic pursuits from an early age.
Armstrong showed exceptional athletic talent in his youth. He began competing in triathlons at age 13 and quickly excelled in cycling.
Relationships with Prominent Personalities
Armstrong's romantic life has been as eventful as his cycling career. He married Kristin Richard in 1998, and they had three children together before divorcing in 2003.
Following his divorce, Armstrong was linked to several celebrities. He dated singer Sheryl Crow from 2003 to 2006. Brief relationships with actress Kate Hudson and fashion designer Tory Burch followed.
In 2008, Armstrong began dating Anna Hansen. They had two children together and married in August 2022. Armstrong referred to Hansen as his "best friend" in their wedding announcement.
Throughout his relationships, Armstrong has fathered five children - three with his first wife and two with Hansen.
