• Going out a winner • Four Kaua‘i athletes earn Duke scholarships Going out a winner PARIS — One last time, “The Star-Spangled Banner” rang out over the Champs-Elysees in honor of Lance Armstrong. One last time, on the podium
• Going out a winner
• Four Kaua‘i athletes earn Duke scholarships
Going out a winner
PARIS — One last time, “The Star-Spangled Banner” rang out over the Champs-Elysees in honor of Lance Armstrong.
One last time, on the podium against the backdrop of the Arc de Triomphe, the cancer survivor who became the greatest cyclist in Tour de France history slipped into the leader’s yellow jersey Sunday. This time, it was the winner’s jersey, for an unprecedented seventh consecutive year in the world’s most grueling race.
It was the end of Armstrong’s amazing career, and in retiring a winner he achieved a rare feat in sports — going out on top. He said his decision was final and that he walks away with no regrets.
With the pavement slick from rain, and Armstrong comfortably ahead, he was declared the winner with 30 miles to go. The rare decision by race organizers was made rather than risk having a mad dash to the finish in treacherous conditions.
Alexandre Vinokourov of Kazakhstan eventually won the final stage, with Armstrong finishing safely in the pack to win the Tour by 4 minutes, 40 seconds over Ivan Basso of Italy.
The 1997 Tour winner, Jan Ullrich, was third, 6:21 back.
Looking toward a Tour without him, Armstrong said to his challengers, “It’s up to you guys.”
Four Kaua‘i athletes earn Duke scholarships
Waimea’s Virginia Aguilar, Kaua‘i’s Garrett Sakimae, and Kapa‘a’s Jennifer Lindsey, and Liana Nakazawa were recipients of the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation College Scholarships.
Aguilar is attending Hardin-Simmons, Sakimae will be attending Seattle University, Jennifer Lindsey will make the jump to UH-Manoa, and Nakazawa will head to the University of San Diego in the fall.
The Outrigger Duke Kahanmoku Foundation (ODKF) is a public non-profit foundation created with the mission to financially support the development of individuals and organizations that perpetuate the spirit and legacy of Duke Kahanamoku.
ODKF awards college grants for academic and athletic excellence, with candidates meeting the minimum criteria: be a Hawai‘i resident, attend college, participate in a competitive sport, and demonstrate the need for financial aid. In Duke’s honor, preference is given to competitors in water sports or volleyball.
For more information on how to support “Duke’s Foundation” or apply for a grant, visit the website at www.dukefoundation.org or call (808) 545-4880.
