Eric Arthur Heiden is an American former long track speed skater and road cyclist who won all the men's speed skating races, and an unprecedented five individual gold medals set four Olympic records and one world record. Eric Heiden, the unassuming doctor's son from the American Midwest, made history during nine days of madness when he became the first skater to win all the individual speed skating events at the same Winter Games. He added a world record in the 10,000m to the five gold medals won at Lake Placid, reinforcing the general view that the American was one of the greatest speed skaters of all time. Heiden published his own book about exercise science and excursive programs called Faster, Better, Stronger. He was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame and was even inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame.
