Who Is Lance Armstrong's Wife
Inside Their Marriage and Family Life
Lance Armstrong, the former professional cyclist, has found lasting love with Anna Hansen. The couple's journey began in 2008 when they first met, and their relationship has stood the test of time. After 14 years together, Armstrong and Hansen tied the knot in a romantic ceremony in France in August 2022.
The wedding took place at a picturesque chateau in Provence, surrounded by vineyards. Armstrong shared his joy on social media, calling it the "Best. Day. Ever." and referring to Hansen as the love of his life. The intimate celebration was attended by their children and close friends, marking a new chapter in their long-standing relationship.
Prior to marrying Hansen, Armstrong had been engaged in other high-profile relationships, including those with celebrities Kate Hudson and Sheryl Crow. He was also previously married to Kristin Richard, with whom he has three children. Armstrong and Hansen have two children together, completing their blended family.
Lance Armstrong and Anna Hansen's Relationship
Lance Armstrong and Anna Hansen's relationship spans over a decade, marked by mutual support and shared experiences. Their journey together has included starting a family, navigating public scrutiny, and ultimately culminating in marriage.
Becoming a Couple
Lance Armstrong and Anna Hansen first met in 2008. At the time, Armstrong was recovering from his high-profile cycling career and previous relationships. Hansen, working for a non-profit organization, quickly became a stabilizing presence in Armstrong's life. The couple's connection deepened as they faced personal and professional challenges together.
Armstrong and Hansen welcomed their first child, Max, in 2009. Their daughter, Olivia, followed in 2010. These early years of parenthood strengthened their bond and commitment to each other.
Public Appearances and Shared Interests
Despite Armstrong's controversial public image, he and Hansen maintained a united front. They appeared together at various events, supporting each other's endeavors. The couple shared a passion for fitness and outdoor activities, often seen cycling and participating in athletic events as a family.
Hansen stood by Armstrong during his legal battles and public controversies. Her unwavering support became a cornerstone of their relationship. The couple's shared interests extended to philanthropy, with both actively involved in charitable causes.
Engagement and Marriage Plans
After years together, Armstrong proposed to Hansen in 2017. The engagement marked a new chapter in their relationship, solidifying their commitment. Despite being engaged for several years, the couple didn't rush into marriage.
In August 2022, Armstrong and Hansen finally tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in France. Armstrong shared the news on Instagram, calling it the "Best. Day. Ever." The wedding took place at Château La Coste, with close friends and family in attendance.
Their marriage celebration reflected their journey together - private, meaningful, and focused on their love and family. The couple's long-term commitment and shared experiences paved the way for this significant milestone in their relationship.
Family Dynamics
Lance Armstrong's family includes children from his previous marriage as well as those with his current wife, Anna Hansen. The blended family navigates the complexities of co-parenting and maintaining relationships across households.
Children from Armstrong's Previous Marriage
Lance Armstrong has three children from his first marriage to Kristin Richard. Luke Armstrong, born in 1999, is the eldest. Twin daughters Isabelle and Grace Armstrong followed in 2001.
After Lance and Kristin's divorce in 2003, they established a co-parenting arrangement. The children split time between their parents' homes, maintaining relationships with both sides of the family.
Luke, Isabelle, and Grace have grown up in the public eye due to their father's cycling career and subsequent controversies. Despite this, efforts have been made to provide them with as normal a childhood as possible.
Hansen and Armstrong's Kids
Lance Armstrong and Anna Hansen have two children together. Their son Max was born in 2009, followed by daughter Olivia Marie in 2010.
The couple prioritizes creating a unified family environment for all five children. They work to ensure each child feels equally valued, regardless of biological relationships.
Hansen has embraced her role as stepmother to Armstrong's older children. The family often spends holidays and vacations together, fostering bonds between all siblings.
Armstrong and Hansen strive to balance attention across their large family. They encourage individual interests and activities while also planning regular family outings and gatherings to maintain closeness.
Wedding
Lance Armstrong and Anna Hansen tied the knot in a romantic ceremony in France. The couple chose an intimate setting for their nuptials after being together for 14 years.
Celebrations and Venue
The wedding took place at Château La Coste in Provence, France. This picturesque vineyard estate provided a stunning backdrop for the couple's special day. The venue, known for its blend of art, architecture, and wine, offered a unique and elegant setting for the celebration.
Armstrong and Hansen opted for a summer wedding, taking advantage of the beautiful weather in the South of France. The choice of location allowed for an outdoor ceremony surrounded by lush vineyards and rolling hills.
Ceremony Details
The ceremony was an intimate affair, with close friends and family in attendance. Lance and Anna exchanged vows in front of their loved ones, including their children. The couple's decision to have a smaller gathering gave the event a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.
Chad Mountain, a close friend of the couple, served as the officiant for the ceremony. The wedding had elements of an elopement, with its private nature and destination setting. Armstrong shared photos from the day on social media, showing the couple's joy and the beautiful scenery of Provence.
Professional Life and Public Persona
Lance Armstrong and Anna Hansen have both experienced significant professional journeys, albeit in very different fields. Their careers have shaped their public personas and influenced their lives in unique ways.
Lance Armstrong's Cycling Career
Lance Armstrong rose to fame as a professional cyclist, dominating the sport in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He won the Tour de France seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005, an unprecedented feat at the time. Armstrong's success made him a household name and an inspiration to many.
His career took a dramatic turn in 2012 when the United States Anti-Doping Agency accused him of using performance-enhancing drugs. Armstrong was stripped of his Tour de France titles and banned from competitive cycling. This scandal significantly altered his public image and professional legacy.
Anna Hansen's Professional Endeavors
Anna Hansen has established her own professional identity as a yoga instructor. She founded "Move with Anna," a platform that offers yoga classes and wellness guidance. Hansen's work focuses on promoting physical and mental well-being through yoga practice.
She has built a following on social media, sharing her expertise and lifestyle with her audience. Hansen's professional life contrasts with Armstrong's high-profile athletic career, offering a more private and wellness-oriented approach to her work.
Hansen's career has remained relatively stable compared to Armstrong's, allowing her to maintain a consistent public image centered around health and fitness.
Personal Struggles and Triumphs
Lance Armstrong faced significant personal challenges that shaped his life and career. His battle with cancer and subsequent controversies tested his resilience and public image.
Cancer and Recovery
In 1996, at age 25, Armstrong was diagnosed with stage three testicular cancer. The disease had spread to his lungs, abdomen, and brain. Given a less than 40% chance of survival, he underwent aggressive treatment including brain surgery and chemotherapy.
Armstrong's determination shone through during his recovery. He continued to cycle during treatment, albeit at a reduced intensity. His focus on returning to professional cycling drove his rehabilitation efforts.
By early 1998, Armstrong was declared cancer-free. He founded the Livestrong Foundation to support cancer patients and survivors. His comeback to professional cycling after beating cancer became an inspirational story for many.
Dealing with Controversy
Armstrong's career took a dramatic turn in 2012 when he faced doping allegations. The United States Anti-Doping Agency accused him of using performance-enhancing drugs throughout his cycling career.
Initially, Armstrong denied the charges. However, in January 2013, he admitted to doping in a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey. This confession led to the stripping of his seven Tour de France titles.
The scandal severely damaged Armstrong's reputation. He faced lawsuits, lost sponsorships, and stepped down from the Livestrong Foundation. The controversy overshadowed his cancer advocacy work and athletic achievements.
Armstrong's efforts to rebuild his public image have been ongoing. He has expressed remorse for his actions while continuing to contribute to cancer awareness initiatives.
Life After Professional Cycling
Lance Armstrong's life took new directions after retiring from professional cycling. He focused on charitable endeavors and rebuilding his public image following controversies. Armstrong also settled into family life in Texas.
Charitable Work
Armstrong continued his involvement with cancer-related causes after retiring from cycling. He remained active with the Livestrong Foundation, which he founded in 1997 after his own cancer diagnosis. The organization raised millions for cancer research and support programs. Armstrong participated in fundraising events and spoke about cancer awareness. He also supported other health-related charities and initiatives, leveraging his fame to draw attention to important causes.
Building a New Identity
Armstrong worked to reinvent himself beyond cycling. He settled in Austin, Texas, near Lake Austin with his family. The former cyclist embraced fatherhood, spending time with his five children. Armstrong launched a podcast called "The Forward" where he interviews guests about overcoming adversity. He also invested in local businesses, including a bike shop and a coffee company. Despite past controversies, Armstrong maintained a public presence through social media and select public appearances.
Connections and Relationships
Lance Armstrong's personal life has been marked by several high-profile relationships and friendships in the public eye. His romantic partnerships and social connections have often intersected with his cycling career and charitable work.
Past Relationships
Armstrong was married to Kristin Richard from 1998 to 2003. The couple had three children together - Luke and twins Grace and Isabelle. After his divorce, Armstrong entered a relationship with singer Sheryl Crow. They were engaged in 2005 but ended their relationship in 2006.
Following his split from Crow, Armstrong was linked to several celebrities. He briefly dated actress Kate Hudson in 2008. Armstrong also had a short relationship with Ashley Olsen in 2007.
In 2008, Armstrong met Anna Hansen. The couple got engaged in 2017 and married in August 2022 in France. They have two children together - Max and Olivia.
Friendships and Associations
Armstrong has maintained close ties with figures in the sports and entertainment worlds. His Livestrong Foundation connected him with numerous celebrities who supported his cancer awareness efforts.
Many of Armstrong's cycling teammates became close friends during his career. However, some of these relationships were strained after his doping admission.
Armstrong's fame brought him into contact with politicians and business leaders. He leveraged these connections to promote cancer research and survivorship programs.
His public image shift affected some of his high-profile friendships. Despite this, Armstrong has retained a core group of loyal supporters and associates.
