Inducted 1990

Speedskater Eric Heiden accomplished what no Olympian had ever done up to 1980 when he won five gold medals in the winter games at Lake Placid. The Madison native took home more gold medals individually than 12 nations did combined.
A quiet, humble athlete, Heiden combined with his sister, Beth, to dominate the speedskating world in the late 1970s and early 80s. Heiden won the overall world title in 1977, 78 and 79. That set him up for his Olympic triumph.
After retiring from speedskating, Heiden completed in cycling and won the U.S. Professional championship in 1985. He also earned his medical degree from Stanford and became a doctor. He remained involved in speedskating as a commentator on television for a decade.