A Tale Of Lance & Two Kristin Armstrongs

There’s one Lance Armstrong and two women named Kristin Armstrong. Lance Armstrong, winner of seven Tour de France titles, was married to Kristin Armstrong, mother, journalist, marathon runner.

The other Kristin Armstrong is no relation to the above-mentioned Kristin Armstrong or to Lance Armstrong. But she’s also a cyclist and Wednesday she won women’s the individual time trial gold medal at the Beijing Games.

Since her Olympic debut four years ago, Kristin Armstrong, the new Olympic gold medalist, has often been asked about Lance Armstrong. She never seems upset by the question, though, and she cordially explains that she’s not related. She’s married to Joe Savola, but uses her maiden name.

The new Olympic gold medalist added to her lengthy career accomplishments that include the 2006 world time trial title with her time trial win in Beijing. She has joked with Lance Armstrong about their coincidence of thei last names and chosen sport. But two Kristin Armstrongs do not know each other.

But Kristin Armstrong now also has some bragging rights. She has a gold medal. In addition to his seven Tour de France titles, Lance Armstrong has a world road race title. But he never won an Olympic gold medal.