“I Drove Him Like an Animal”: Terry, the Stepfather Who Proclaimed He’s Behind Lance Armstrong’s Infamous Success

When it comes to cycling, Lance Armstrong needs no introduction. He was one of the most recognized sports icons back then, winning the Tour de France seven consecutive times. The sports icon had a dominant cycling career from 1999 to 2005, which ended in controversy. A long time after his retirement, he accepted to using PEDs during his prime.

Terry Armstrong, the stepfather of Lance, once made some statements regarding his stepson who he wasn’t happy with. But Terry did admit that whatever he did to Lance was only to shape his future.

Terry probably shaped his future, but at what cost?

Lance Armstrong’s childhood was very messed up, to say the least. His biological father was in an abusive relationship with his mother, so she left him when Lance was very young.

According to him, his stepfather was terrible to him, and he was always strict about him cleaning his room. “Sure enough, I would leave a drawer open, and he would pull out his fraternity paddle and just beat the (expletive) out of me,” Lance said. 

“It was bend over and take your licks,” Terry said while he used to punish Lance. Lance’s mother confirms Terry’s parenting style, which he had adapted from his military school background.

ALSO READ – Lance Armstrong, Who Raised $500 Million Before Dark Times Hit, Revealed Helping Cancer Patients in 2019 But Without Ever Stepping Outside

“Lance would not be the champion he is today without me, because I drove him,” Terry said. “I drove him like an animal. That’s the only thing I feel bad about. Did I make him too much ‘win at all costs’?”

Terry realized that he might have pushed his stepson a little too hard.

Ever thought of changing his name from Lance Armstrong?

Lance Armstrong was an adopted name. His biological father’s name was Eddie Gunderson. Lance did think of changing his name once.

When Lance was 15 years old, he thought of changing his name from Armstrong to Gunderson, as his mother divorced Terry Armstrong when he was 15 years old. However, the name Armstrong was strongly established in the sport of cycling by then, and Lance accepted that it was too late.

WATCH THIS STORY – How Did An Early Uber Investment Save Lance Armstrong and His Family From Financial Crisis?

What do you think of Terry Armstrong’s parenting style? Was he too hard for Lance Armstrong? Let us know in the comment section.