In a move that’s left the sports world stunned, disgraced cycling legend Lance Armstrong has officially joined an anti-doping public service announcement (PSA) campaign with the slogan: “Do As I Say, Not As I Did.” The announcement, released early Friday morning, has already sparked heated debate and mixed reactions across social media.
Once hailed as an American hero and seven-time Tour de France champion, Armstrong fell from grace after admitting to years of performance-enhancing drug use. Now, over a decade later, he’s taking center stage again—this time as a cautionary tale rather than a champion. The campaign, organized by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), aims to educate young athletes about the dangers and long-term consequences of doping.
In the first PSA video, Armstrong appears candid and reflective. “I lied, I cheated, and I paid the price,” he says directly into the camera. “If I could go back, I would have done it all differently. Let my story be your warning.” The video ends with a dramatic black-and-white montage of headlines from his doping scandal and emotional testimony from former teammates.
The choice to feature Armstrong has stirred controversy, with critics accusing WADA of glamorizing a fallen icon. “This is like asking a bank robber to teach ethics,” tweeted one commentator. But others see it as a bold and necessary step. “Who better to talk about the cost of cheating than the guy who lost everything because of it?” countered another.
According to WADA officials, the campaign was not about forgiveness, but impact. “We knew using Lance would be polarizing,” said WADA spokesperson Claire Dupont. “But his story is a powerful deterrent. He’s living proof of how even the biggest stars can fall when they choose shortcuts.”
Armstrong himself has leaned into the controversy, appearing in interviews and podcasts with a tone that blends remorse with hard-earned wisdom. “I’m not here to clear my name,” he told ESPN Daily. “I’m here to make sure the next generation doesn’t screw up like I did.”
Notably, the PSA campaign will roll out in over 30 countries and feature other former athletes who faced doping bans. But none carry the name recognition—or baggage—of Armstrong. His participation is expected to bring unprecedented attention to the effort, for better or worse.
Some fans have expressed tentative support, noting that Armstrong’s platform could actually prevent future scandals. “He’s already taken the fall,” said one commenter on Reddit. “If he can stop just one kid from doing the same, maybe it’s worth it.”
Still, skeptics remain unconvinced. Some argue that Armstrong is using the campaign to rehabilitate his image, while others question whether he’s truly remorseful. Yet, even amid the backlash, one thing is clear: Lance Armstrong is back in the spotlight—and this time, he’s not selling wins. He’s selling hard truths.
Whether the world is ready to listen remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: when one of the most infamous dopers in sports history tells you not to cheat, you listen—if only out of sheer disbelief.