Meet Lance Armstrong's Fiancee Anna Hansen
Olympic Champion Anna Hansen Set to Wed Cycling Icon
Lance Armstrong, the former professional cyclist, recently tied the knot with his longtime fiancée Anna Hansen. The couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony at the Château La Coste vineyard in Provence, France. Armstrong and Hansen have been together for 14 years and got engaged five years ago.
The newlyweds shared their joy on social media, with Armstrong posting photos and a heartfelt message on Instagram. He referred to Hansen as the "love of my life" and described their wedding day as the "Best. Day. Ever." The ceremony was attended by close friends and family members.
Armstrong, now 50 years old, and Hansen have two children together. This marks Armstrong's second marriage, as he has three children from his previous marriage. The couple's relationship has endured through various challenges, including Armstrong's public controversies and career upheavals.
Lance Armstrong Biography
Lance Armstrong rose to fame as a professional cyclist, winning seven consecutive Tour de France titles before a doping scandal derailed his career. His journey from aspiring athlete to disgraced champion captivated the world of sports for over two decades.
Early Life and Career
Born on September 18, 1971, in Plano, Texas, Lance Edward Armstrong showed athletic promise from a young age. He excelled in swimming and triathlons as a teenager. At 16, Armstrong became a professional triathlete, winning national sprint-course triathlon championships in 1989 and 1990.
In 1992, Armstrong shifted his focus solely to cycling. He joined the Motorola professional cycling team and quickly made a name for himself. His early career highlights included winning the World Road Race Championship in 1993 and stages in the Tour de France in 1993 and 1995.
Cycling Achievements
Armstrong's career reached new heights after overcoming testicular cancer in 1996. He returned to cycling in 1998 and began an unprecedented run of success. From 1999 to 2005, Armstrong won seven consecutive Tour de France titles, breaking the previous record of five.
His dominance in the sport was extraordinary. Armstrong's victories were characterized by powerful climbing, strong time-trialing, and tactical brilliance. He became a global icon, inspiring millions with his comeback story and founding the Livestrong Foundation to support cancer patients.
Doping Scandal and Aftermath
Armstrong's legacy was irreparably damaged by doping allegations that persisted throughout his career. In 2012, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency charged Armstrong with using performance-enhancing drugs. He was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned from competitive cycling for life.
In January 2013, Armstrong admitted to doping in a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey. The confession led to lawsuits, loss of sponsorships, and his resignation from the Livestrong Foundation. His fall from grace remains one of the most dramatic in sports history, transforming him from celebrated champion to cautionary tale.
Personal Life
Lance Armstrong's personal life has been marked by high-profile relationships and a large blended family. His background and romantic history have garnered significant public attention over the years.
Family Background
Lance Armstrong was born on September 18, 1971, in Plano, Texas. His mother, Linda Gayle, was only 17 when she gave birth to him. Armstrong's biological father, Eddie Gunderson, left the family when Lance was two years old.
Linda later married Terry Armstrong, who adopted Lance and gave him his surname. The cyclist's upbringing was primarily influenced by his mother, who worked multiple jobs to support the family.
Previous Relationships
Armstrong's romantic history includes several notable relationships. He was married to Kristin Richard from 1998 to 2003, with whom he has three children: Luke and twins Isabelle and Grace.
After his divorce, Armstrong became engaged to musician Sheryl Crow in 2005, but they ended their relationship in 2006. He later dated fashion designer Tory Burch and actress Kate Hudson.
In 2008, Armstrong began a relationship with Anna Hansen. They became engaged in 2017 and married in France in August 2022. The couple has two children together: Max and Olivia.
Engagement Details
Lance Armstrong and Anna Hansen's engagement marked a significant milestone in their long-term relationship. The proposal took place after nearly a decade together, solidifying their commitment to each other and their family.
Engagement Announcement
Lance Armstrong announced his engagement to Anna Hansen on Instagram in May 2017. The former professional cyclist shared a photo of the couple on a boat at Lake Austin in Texas. Hansen wore a sparkling engagement ring in the image. Armstrong captioned the post with "She said..... YES!!!!" expressing his excitement about the proposal.
The announcement came after Armstrong and Hansen had been dating for almost nine years. They first met in 2008 and built a life together, including having two children before becoming engaged.
Fiancée's Biography
Anna Hansen, born in Colorado, met Lance Armstrong through her work with a cancer survivorship organization. She has a background in community relations and has been actively involved in charitable work.
Hansen and Armstrong share two children together: Max, born in 2009, and Olivia, born in 2010. She has been a supportive partner throughout Armstrong's post-cycling career and the challenges he faced due to doping controversies.
Prior to her relationship with Armstrong, Hansen maintained a relatively low public profile. She has been described as a grounding influence in Armstrong's life, standing by him during difficult times and helping to create a stable family environment for their children.
Media Coverage
Lance Armstrong's engagement to Anna Hansen garnered significant attention from various media outlets. News of their wedding in France spread quickly across traditional and social media platforms.
Press Releases
Armstrong announced his marriage to Hansen through a personal Instagram post on August 9, 2022. He shared photos from the intimate ceremony in France, captioning them "Best. Day. Ever. Married the love of my life @annahansenarmstrong."
The couple's wedding details were subsequently reported by major news outlets. People.com, TODAY, and other publications covered the event, highlighting the couple's long-term relationship and engagement since 2017.
Many articles focused on the intimate nature of the ceremony and the presence of the couple's children.
Public Reactions
The public response to Armstrong's marriage was mixed, reflecting his controversial cycling career. Some fans expressed congratulations and well-wishes on social media platforms.
Others remained critical, referencing Armstrong's past doping scandals. The wedding news reignited discussions about his legacy in professional cycling.
Celebrity news followers showed interest in the couple's relationship timeline and wedding details. Fashion and lifestyle publications commented on Hansen's wedding attire and the ceremony's location in France.
Impact on Public Image
Lance Armstrong's engagement to Anna Hansen marked a significant shift in his public perception. The relationship influenced how the public viewed Armstrong both before and after their official commitment to marry.
Before the Engagement
Armstrong's public image was heavily tarnished by doping scandals and stripped titles. His reputation as a cycling champion crumbled, leaving many fans disillusioned. The media scrutiny was intense, focusing on his fall from grace.
Armstrong faced widespread criticism and legal battles. His foundation, Livestrong, distanced itself from him. Sponsorships disappeared as companies cut ties with the disgraced athlete.
During this period, Armstrong's relationship with Hansen provided a glimpse of stability in his turbulent life. Their connection began to soften some of the harsh public opinions about him.
After the Engagement
Armstrong's engagement to Hansen in 2017 signaled a new chapter in his life. The news shifted some focus from his past controversies to his personal growth and family life.
Media coverage became more balanced, often highlighting Armstrong's role as a partner and father. His social media presence showcased a more relatable side, featuring family moments and charitable efforts.
While skepticism remained, the engagement helped humanize Armstrong. It didn't erase his past, but it allowed for a more nuanced public perception. Some viewed his commitment to Hansen as a sign of maturity and moving forward.
