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NBC Sports
6 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
LeMond receives Congressional Gold Medal
Greg LeMond, a 3-time Tour de France winner and one of the most decorated U.S. cyclists, received the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony on Capitol Hill. After, LeMond called the honor "more than I ever expected.
Fox News
7 days ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Cycling legend Greg LeMond discusses his legacy as an American while receiving Congressional Gold Medal
Three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday morning. LeMond became the first American to win the event in 1986, just a few years after he moved to Europe to pursue his dream of becoming a professional cyclist. "The honor is more than I ever expected, and I accept it with deep gratitude and a profound sense of humility…" LeMond said. "Cycling was an unusual sport for a 14-year-old kid in 1976. In fact, I didn't know the sport existed until one day, a bicycle race passed my home. After winning my first race, I became passionately obsessed with cycling, and as an American, I believed if I worked hard enough, anything was possible." During his time in Europe, LeMond said people simply called him "The American," a nickname he was "proud of." "At one point, my parents even suggested I lean into it. 'Wear a cowboy hat and boots,' they told me. I didn't go quite that far, although I did grow up in Reno, Nevada, and rode horses before I rode a bike. I was just a blonde-haired, blue-eyed kid, and for some reason, that resonated with people. I think many Europeans saw me as a reminder of what the U.S. has meant to Europe at critical times: As an ally, a liberator, and a friend." LeMond then discussed what it meant to be an American overseas, especially in a sport that had been dominated by Europeans up until his arrival. "Being an American, especially abroad, carries a legacy," LeMond said. "A legacy of sacrifice, of courage, and showing up when it matters most. So I am honored beyond words to receive this Congressional Gold Medal. I stand here knowing this honor isn't mine alone. It belongs to every teammate, every supporter, every family member, and all the Americans whose courage and sacrifice made my life and career possible. I am proud to be an American, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart." LeMond suffered a hunting accident in 1987, causing him to miss the next two Tour de France's after his victory. But he returned in 1989 and took home back-to-back titles. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Three-time Tour de France winner LeMond receives Congressional Gold Medal
Speaker of the House US Representative Mike Johnson presents the Congressional Gold Medal to American cycling great Greg LeMond (ALEX WONG) Greg LeMond, a three-time Tour de France winner, received the Congressional Gold Medal on Wednesday. In a ceremony at the US Capitol, House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the 64-year-old LeMond as "a model of sportsmanship, excellence and integrity" in bestowing the medal, which is conferred by an act of Congress. Advertisement "It is the highest honor that we can bestow in this institution," Johnson said. "It honors citizens whose contributions have shaped our country, enriched our history and lifted the spirits of the American people." LeMond won his groundbreaking first Tour de France title in 1986. Shot in a hunting accident in 1987, he made a comeback and won the Tour again in 1989 and 1990 -- claiming his second victory in '89 by just eight seconds over Frenchman Laurent Fignon in a race thrillingly decided in a final-stage time trial. LeMond, who also won road race world titles in 1983 and 1989, recalled that as a teenager in 1970s America he had not even realized that cycling was a competitive sport until he saw a racing peloton pass his house one day. Advertisement "After winning my first race, I became passionately obsessed with cycling," he recalled. He moved to Europe at the age of 19 to pursue his dream. LeMond spoke warmly of the friendships he forged in France, with teammates, technicians and fans. "I stand here knowing this honor isn't mine alone," LeMond said. "It belongs to every supporter, every family member and to all the extraordinary Americans whose courage and sacrifice made my life and career possible." LeMond is the only American Tour de France winner after Lance Armstrong and Floyd Landis were stripped of their titles in doping scandals. Advertisement Since retiring, he has been a strong anti-doping advocate. Congress voted to award the medal to LeMond in 2020, but the Covid pandemic delayed its presentation. Few sports figures have received the honor. The list includes Olympian Jesse Owens, boxer Joe Louis, golf great Jack Nicklaus and tennis legend Billie Jean King among a handful of others. bb/pb
San Francisco Chronicle
09-07-2025
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Cyclist Greg LeMond receives Congressional Gold Medal at Capitol ceremony
WASHINGTON (AP) — Greg LeMond, who is one of the most decorated cyclists in American history as a three-time Tour de France winner, was honored Wednesday with the Congressional Gold Medal. LeMond, 64, received the medal during a ceremony at the Capitol with his wife, Kathy, and children in attendance. It was announced he'd receive the medal in 2020, but the pandemic delayed his ceremony. 'It is the highest honor that we can bestow in this institution," Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said. 'It honors citizens whose contributions have shaped our country, enriched our history and lifted the spirits of the American people. And much like the American Dream itself, this honor is not reserved for any one person and profession, it can be earned and won by anyone who's deserving.' LeMond, a two-time World Road Race champion, was shot on a hunting trip in 1987 at the peak of his career, shortly after becoming the first American man to win the Tour de France. He recovered to win two more Tours: by the race's narrowest margin (eight seconds) in 1989 and again in 1990. 'The honor is more than I ever expected, and I accept it with deep gratitude and also with a profound sense of humility,' LeMond said. 'Today isn't just about reflecting on my own journey. It's about honoring the people, places and the moments that shaped it.' Johnson presented the medal alongside Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson of California and former Republican Rep. Tom Graves of Georgia. LeMond reflected on his time in Europe, where he was proudly referred to as 'The American.' 'I am honored beyond words to receive this Congressional Gold Medal," he said. 'I stand here knowing this honor isn't mine alone. It belongs to every teammate, every supporter, every family member and to all of the extraordinary Americans whose courage and sacrifice made my life and career possible. I am proud to be an American, and I thank you, all of you, from the bottom of my heart.' ___
Hamilton Spectator
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Cyclist Greg LeMond receives Congressional Gold Medal at Capitol ceremony
WASHINGTON (AP) — Greg LeMond, who is one of the most decorated cyclists in American history as a three-time Tour de France winner, was honored Wednesday with the Congressional Gold Medal. LeMond, 64, received the medal during a ceremony at the Capitol with his wife, Kathy, and children in attendance. It was announced he'd receive the medal in 2020, but the pandemic delayed his ceremony. 'It is the highest honor that we can bestow in this institution,' Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said. 'It honors citizens whose contributions have shaped our country, enriched our history and lifted the spirits of the American people. And much like the American Dream itself, this honor is not reserved for any one person and profession, it can be earned and won by anyone who's deserving.' LeMond, a two-time World Road Race champion, was shot on a hunting trip in 1987 at the peak of his career, shortly after becoming the first American man to win the Tour de France. He recovered to win two more Tours: by the race's narrowest margin (eight seconds) in 1989 and again in 1990. 'The honor is more than I ever expected, and I accept it with deep gratitude and also with a profound sense of humility,' LeMond said. 'Today isn't just about reflecting on my own journey. It's about honoring the people, places and the moments that shaped it.' Johnson presented the medal alongside Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson of California and former Republican Rep. Tom Graves of Georgia. LeMond reflected on his time in Europe, where he was proudly referred to as 'The American.' 'I am honored beyond words to receive this Congressional Gold Medal,' he said. 'I stand here knowing this honor isn't mine alone. It belongs to every teammate, every supporter, every family member and to all of the extraordinary Americans whose courage and sacrifice made my life and career possible. I am proud to be an American, and I thank you, all of you, from the bottom of my heart.' ___ AP sports: Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
