One tough cowboy, Tyler Hamilton

Tyler Hamilton, the professional cyclist who was found guilty of drug doping has lost his appeal. Unlike others who have been caught doping, Hamilton maintained his innocence throughout his ordeal. According to a story in the Rocky Mountain News, he has spent between $2 and $3 million attempting to prove his innocence.

My heart goes out to Hamilton for his story is one of trial and tribulation, accusation and redemption, agony and triumph. Based on the appeal, he may be stripped of his Olympic gold.

As a child, Hamilton wanted to be an Olympic skier. He had a propensity for crashing. As a result, he was unable to compete at the highest levels of skiing. Cycling was part of his physical therapy and he discovered he was good at it. He won his first time trial, and continued to excel at the sport.

When he signed with US Postal, he became one of Armstrong's top lieutenants in the mountains. Eventually, he went to CSC where he displayed an epic ferocity.

Now, he is living out his ban from cycling in his mountain-top home in Sunshine Canyon, Colorado with his wife Haven and two Golden retrievers.