Tyler Hamilton Accuses Lance Armstrong of Doping
The New York Times reported Friday that former professional cyclist Tyler Hamilton has surrendered his 2004 Olympic gold medal after admitting to doping during his cycling career. The article states that the International Olympic Committee has been in touch with the United States Anti-Doping Agency and, according to IOC spokeswoman Emmanuelle Moreau, "has taken note of Hamilton’s confession and will, of course, study any potential Games-related implications.” Hamilton won the gold medal in the Athens 2004 time-trial race. If he is stripped of the gold medal, the title would go to Viatcheslav Ekimov, the silver to American Bobby Julich, and the bronze to Michael Rogers, of Australia.
The news came after yesterday's CBS report in which Hamilton accused seven-time Tour De France winner and Lance Armstrong of doping. Hamilton, a former teammate of Armstrong's, told CBS's Scott Pelley in a soon-to-air interview that he and others saw Armstrong inject the blood-boosting drug EPO on several occasions. Hamilton claims that Armstrong used EPO during the 1999 Tour De France—the first year Armstrong won—and to prepare for the 2000 and 2001 races. Hamilton and Armstrong were teammates on the United States Postal Service team during those years.
"What did you actually witness?" Pelley asked Hamilton.
"I saw it in his refrigerator. I saw him inject it—more than one time."
"You saw Lance Armstrong inject EPO?"
"Yeah, like, we all did."
Lance Armstrong is currently the focus of a federal investigation on doping in cycling, a story Outside covered in our October 2010 issue. Last July, Hamilton was subpoenaed to appear before the federal grand jury. While Hamilton's attorney confirmed the subpoena to ESPN.com, he would not comment on the schedule of Hamilton's testimony.
After Hamilton won the gold medal in 2004, he tested positive for a banned blood transfusion. He retired in 2009 after admitting taking a supplement containing a banned steroid and is currently under an eight-year ban from cycling.
A teaser of the interview can be seen at CBS.com. The full interview will air Sunday, May 22 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
--Michael Webster
Comments
Sure, but Tyler Hamilton has absolutely no credibility and I wish the media would stop treating him as if he did.
Flag ThisSure, but Tyler Hamilton has absolutely no credibility and I wish the media would stop treating him as if he did.
Flag ThisSure, but Tyler Hamilton has absolutely no credibility and I wish the media would stop treating him as if he did.
Flag ThisI will be out of the office Friday May 20th. For any issues that need immediate attention in my absence, please contact mwebster@outsidemag.com. I apologize for any inconvenience. Cheers, Joe
Flag ThisI will be out of the office Friday May 20th. For any issues that need immediate attention in my absence, please contact mwebster@outsidemag.com. I apologize for any inconvenience. Cheers, Joe
Flag ThisI will be out of the office Friday May 20th. For any issues that need immediate attention in my absence, please contact mwebster@outsidemag.com. I apologize for any inconvenience. Cheers, Joe
Flag ThisSometimes a liar changes his story. This should not be confused with telling the truth.
Flag ThisSometimes a liar changes his story. This should not be confused with telling the truth.
Flag ThisSometimes a liar changes his story. This should not be confused with telling the truth.
Flag ThisWhy Are we spending federal money to study doping in cycling?
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