Washington (AFP) – 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.
“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.”
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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. “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. 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.
© 2024 AFP
