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	Judges' Comments
	"Each photo could stand on its own but as a collection they are powerful and compelling. This truly is a story of the triumph of the human spirit."

It was Lance Armstrong’s first big win in the 2001 Tour de France. After days of holding back during the flat country racing, Armstrong took off and climbed the first mountain stage to win the race that day.

Anticipating the victory, Austin American-Statesman staff photographer Taylor Johnson was ready to record the victorious jubilation as Armstrong crossed the finish line. During the month of tour coverage, Johnson captured Armstrong riding in the rain, cruising past sunflowers and standing on the winners’ platform.

Armstrong is a local hero, claiming Austin as his hometown. The American-Statesman sends a photographer and writer to France for the month of the race. It sounds like fun until you have to meet a deadline every day from across an ocean.

Johnson grew up in Houston and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in biology in 1978.

He got his start in photography at the American-Statesman by working as a darkroom technician. He spent two years at the Brazosports Facts newspaper before returning to the American-Statesman in 1982.

Johnson also lectures on photography at the University of Texas.