Lance Armstrong has a supporter in former sprinter Ben Johnson
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At least one person feels sympathy for Lance Armstrong.
The disgraced cyclist got a vote of confidence over the weekend from fellow drug cheat Ben Johnson.
“We are all human beings,” Johnson told insidethegames.com. “We all make mistakes in life. I feel for him.”
Twenty-five years ago, Johnson won the 100 meters at the 1988 Seoul Olympics only to fail a drug test and be stripped of his gold medal. The incident ranked as sport’s biggest doping scandal -- until Armstrong came along.
Earlier this year, Armstrong admitted to doping throughout a career that saw him win seven Tour de France titles. Sports officials have banned him from sanctioned competition.
“Hopefully he will overcome the situation -- but it’s going to be tough for quite a while,” Johnson said. “I should know.”
The former sprinter has been trying to make amends with an international tour to speak about the evils of performance-enhancing drugs. After appearances in Europe, the U.S., Australia and Japan, he is scheduled to visit Seoul Olympic Stadium on Tuesday.
“Not a lot has changed in the last 25 years,” he said. “People are still testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs like they were when I was competing.”
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