On June 15, the men’s and women’s cycling teams for the 2012 Olympic Games were announced. This was not reported in The News Tribune. There have, however, in the last week been two reports on the recent U.S. Anti-Doping Agency charges against Lance Armstrong.

I understand that cycling is not a major sport in the United States, but this choice of stories disturbs me. Obviously, Armstrong is well known and the scope of the charges against him are so significant that it demands reporting. But the local connection to the 2012 Olympic Team is significant as well.

Of the 21 team members, four are from Washington. Only California, the most populous state, and Colorado, home of the Olympic Training Center, have more selections. Our local athletes bound for London are Arielle Martin of Spanaway, Tejay van Garderen of Tacoma, Tyler Farrar of Wenatchee and Jennie Reed of Seattle.

Being selected to represent the country in international competition, and especially at the Olympic Games, is one of the highest points of an athlete’s career. Undergoing investigation for cheating and criminal acts is most certainly among the lowest points.

Should we not report and celebrate the achievement of these four local athletes at least as much as recognize the low point of one athlete?