Kristin Armstrong jokes that she is NOT related to cyclist Lance Armstrong or to his first wife of the same name (she’s really not), but she and Lance does have something in common - cycling and winning. Kristin won gold medal in Women’s Timed Trial in cycling at Beijing Olympics. She’s also known for suffering from osteoarthritis, while under training!

Osteoarthritis (OA) has major genetic component, but it is complex and not completely understood. A large, multi-center genetic study of generalized osteoarthritis has recently started. There was suggestion of association between short height and osteoarthritis, and mutation in the collagen gene, but clearly, lifestyle is a major factor in developing the disease.

Kristin is a huge advocate of the importance and benefits of dairy, especially for developing children. A native of Idaho, She has worked closely with the United Dairymen of Idaho to promote dairy throughout the state and has seen great success using her athletic achievements as a springboard for a message about the nutritional benefits of dairy in the diet. Kristin is especially passionate about chocolate milk as a recovery drink after exercise (now she and I have something in common, haha.)

AND, I have a signed picture of the Olympic Gold Medalist Kristin Armstrong to give-away! You maybe receiving a photo different from the above (Image credit: Newscom). Here’s how to join -

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The sport of cycling has been rife with doping controversies and now, the UCI ProTour council wants to require DNA testing on ProTour cyclists as well. I’m not sure what they’re planning since I can’t find any details on the proposal, but gene doping in sports has been discussed before.

After another tainted season, the UCI-ProTour council said it wanted to create a scientific profile of the top riders to which their performances could be compared. Beyond the medical feasibility of DNA testing, the legal implications of such a measure must be studied.

San Francisco Chronicle, September 22, 2006