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 just a minimal 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 commented Cycling was an extraordinary sport for a -year-old kid in 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 deduced if I worked hard enough anything was manageable CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS COMDuring his time in Europe LeMond declared people exclusively 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 informed 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 specific reason that resonated with people I think various 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 AUTHOR REVEALS WHY CAITLIN CLARK 'NEVER HAD A CHANCE' OF MAKING OLYMPIC ORGANIZATION Being an American especially abroad carries a legacy LeMond noted A legacy of sacrifice of courage and showing up when it matters the bulk 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 viable I am proud to be an American and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart LeMond suffered a hunting accident in causing him to miss the next two Tour de France's after his win But he returned in 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