Tour de Whatcom - September 14th, 2025
United States | Midwest | Ohio >> Cycling legend Greg LeMond receives Congressional Gold Medal

Cycling legend Greg LeMond receives Congressional Gold Medal

Greg LeMond, a three-time Tour de France champion and one of the most decorated cyclists in American history, was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony held at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday

Cycling legend Greg LeMond receives Congressional Gold Medal

The event was attended by LeMond's wife, Kathy, and their children, marking a significant moment in American sports history.

Originally announced in 2020, the presentation of the medal was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor awarded by the United States Congress, recognizing individuals whose contributions have profoundly impacted American history and society.

"It is the highest honor that we can bestow in this institution," said Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson during the ceremony. "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's illustrious cycling career includes being a two-time world champion in road racing and the first American man to win the Tour de France. His journey, however, was not without its challenges. In 1987, at the peak of his career, he was shot during a hunting trip, which could have ended his career. Defying the odds, LeMond made a remarkable recovery, going on to win the Tour de France in 1989 by a mere eight seconds 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 expressed during the ceremony. "Today isn't just about reflecting on my own journey. It's about honoring the people, places, and the moments that shaped it."

The medal was presented to LeMond by Speaker Johnson, alongside Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson of California and former Republican Rep. Tom Graves of Georgia. LeMond took the opportunity to reflect on his time in Europe, where he was affectionately known as "The American."

"I am honored beyond words to receive this Congressional Gold Medal," he continued. "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."

The Congressional Gold Medal serves as a reminder of the impact sports figures like LeMond have on American culture and the inspiration they provide to future generations of athletes.

 

 
Tag: lemond
 
Jul 10 2025 - NEWS: Cycling legend Greg LeMond receives Congressional Gold Medal
Jun 09 2022 - NEWS: Tour de France Champion Greg Lemond tragically diagnosed with Cancer
Dec 03 2020 - NEWS: Tour de France Champion Greg LeMond Launches New Carbon Fiber eBikes
Jun 11 2020 - NEWS: Johan Bruyneel: Its Bullshit that Greg Lemond won the Tour Clean
Nov 20 2019 - NEWS: Greg LeMond advises Egan Bernal not to work for Chris Froome at the 2020 Tour
Sep 20 2019 - NEWS: American Greg LeMond To Be Awarded U.S. Congressional Gold Medal
Jul 15 2017 - NEWS: LeMond: All is not well at Team Sky
Jul 12 2017 - NEWS: LeMond slams the Tour for lack of racing
Jun 20 2017 - NEWS: Armstrong tries to exclude Andreu and Lemond from Lawsuit
Feb 09 2017 - NEWS: Greg LeMond suggests Armstrong was Mechanical Doping
Aug 21 2014 - NEWS: Lemond Rides Dubuque Gran Fondo
 
Tag: bikesafety
 
Jul 10 2025 - NEWS: Cycling legend Greg LeMond receives Congressional Gold Medal
Jun 18 2025 - NEWS: 20-Year Sentence for Drunk Driver Who Killed National Champion Cyclist Jake Boykin
May 15 2025 - NEWS: Rohan Dennis gets suspended sentence for killing wife
May 11 2025 - NEWS: UK Cyclist Involved in Fatal Collision Faces Life Imprisonment Under New Legislation
Feb 05 2025 - NEWS: New Utah bill could could mean the end of off-road racing
Dec 10 2024 - NEWS: Pro cyclist Rohan Dennis pleads guilty after killing his wife in car crash
Oct 14 2024 - NEWS: Truck driver who killed Italian Cyclist Davide Rebellin gets 4 years in Prison
Jul 06 2024 - NEWS: Norwegian pro Andre Drege dies on descent of the Grossglockner in Tour of Austria
Jun 16 2024 - NEWS: UK Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay begs Cyclists to Wear Helmets After Horrific Accident
May 28 2024 - NEWS: More People want to take up Cycling in these States more than anywhere in the U.S.
Apr 26 2024 - NEWS: Remco Evenepoel back on his bike after breaking collarbone
Apr 04 2024 - NEWS: Lennard Kämna suffers serious injuires after car collision on Tenerife
Feb 27 2024 - NEWS: US women’s cycling team suspended for dressing mechanic as rider
Dec 31 2023 - NEWS: Tragedy as Rohan Dennis kills his wife Melissa Hoskins in a Car Accident
Dec 23 2023 - NEWS: 2024 Gran Fondo Guide Awards and Yearly Review Drops January 1st 2024