Chuck Norris has long been the fan of internet meme artists, but the global influence of these online skits is only just becoming apparent as reports are suggesting that a bridge in Slovakia may be getting named after the action film and martial arts hero.
The UK's Daily Mail newspaper reports that a bridge that spans the country's Morava river and will cross the border to neighbouring Austria has had it's name deferred to the general public by way of an online vote. Two of the more traditional names put forward include Maria Theresa, an Austro-Hungarian empress and the Devinska cycling bridge, after the nearest village in the area.
However with an overwhelming share of the votes, The Chuck Norris Bridge seems to be the name finding favour among the voting public, the martial arts star currently in the lead with a whopping 74% of the vote, Maria Theresa languishing behind on 8%. Ultimately the final decision will be made by a regional assembly, but Governor Pavol Freso has said it would follow the wishes of the public, stating "The same way as we have so far been building it in full sight of the public, we will seek that the name is accepted by the public as well." Norris has a kitsch popularity over in Slovakia, apparently, and is a constant reference source for jokes about male strength and machoism.