As Lance Armstrong says sorry for doping - We ask: What makes people confess?

Confession: Cycling Legend, Lance Armstrong. Picture: Telegraph

During a recent interview with Oprah Winfrey, cycling legend, Lance Armstrong admitted to cheating and doping.

Armstrong ended years of denials by admitting he used performance-enhancing drugs during all seven of his Tour de France wins. This wasn't a secret confession, the 41-year-old came clean in front of a worldwide television audience.

Many of his fellow cyclists are disgusted by his conduct, some feel sorry for him but we ask: Why do people feel a burning desire to confess their sins? What makes people say, "I did it!"

We asked a few people and here is what they said:

• They feel guilty and want to be forgiven or want to be punished and move on with a clear conscience.
•  They have been told to confess by mentors before the news gets out or they are caught.
•  They want to cause havoc and don't mind bringing themselves and others down.
•  They want to change and become model citizens.
•  They feel disgusted that no one caught them and, therefore, want the system to change for the better.
•  They hope for someone else to see their point of view and support them.
•  They want publicity. Maybe they feel they are not well known and want to be 'the talk of the town.'
• They think they do not deserve the glory or being hailed as a champion or good person.
• They are tired of people accusing them and want the constant questioning and suspicion to end. 
• They think they may die soon or are about to die, so, they confess and hope to go to heaven.

 Do you know any other reasons? Leave a comment, thanks! 

About Lance Armstrong

• Armstrong was born in Plano, Texas, USA.
• He won  every single Tour de France from 1999 to 2005 and 22 individual stage wins.

• He won World Championships road race in 1993.

• In 1996, he won his battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996. The disease spreads through his body but he overcame it. 
• He launched the Lance Armstrong Foundation for Cancer and was declared cancer-free in 1997 after brain surgery and chemotherapy.

• In 2005, Armstrong announced his retirement. After winning the 2005 Tour de France, he retired. Armstrong was angered by drug allegations against him, so, he returned to professional cycling. 
• In June 2010, he revealed via Twitter that the 2010 Tour de France will be his last. On 16 February 2011, Armstrong announced retirement again.

News: BBC