# Eric Heiden

> American speed skater

**Wikidata**: [Q311289](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q311289)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Heiden)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eric-heiden

## Summary
Eric Heiden is an American speed skater who competed in international competitions. He is known for his achievements in the sport and his later career as an orthopedic surgeon. His primary identity is as a speed skater, with notable recognition for his athletic accomplishments.

## Biography
- Born: June 14, 1958
- Nationality: United States
- Education: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Stanford University, Stanford University School of Medicine
- Known for: Olympic and world championship speed skating
- Employer(s): University of Wisconsin–Madison, Stanford University, Stanford University School of Medicine
- Field(s): Speed skating, orthopedic surgery

## Contributions
Eric Heiden won multiple Olympic and world championship medals in speed skating, including gold in the 500-meter event at the 1980 Winter Olympics. He later transitioned to orthopedic surgery, earning recognition for his medical career. His contributions include:
- Winning the 1980 Olympic gold medal in speed skating (500 meters).
- Receiving the Oscar Mathisen Award for his skating achievements.
- Being inducted into the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame.
- Earning the James E. Sullivan Award for his athletic excellence.

## FAQs
**What sports did Eric Heiden compete in?**
Eric Heiden competed in speed skating and later transitioned to orthopedic surgery, though his primary athletic identity was as a speed skater.

**Where did Eric Heiden study?**
Eric Heiden attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Stanford University, and the Stanford University School of Medicine.

**What awards did Eric Heiden receive?**
Eric Heiden received the Oscar Mathisen Award, was inducted into the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame, and earned the James E. Sullivan Award.

**What is Eric Heiden's nationality?**
Eric Heiden is a citizen of the United States.

## Why They Matter
Eric Heiden is significant in the history of American speed skating for his Olympic gold medal and world championship victories. His transition to orthopedic surgery demonstrates his versatility and dedication to both athletics and medicine. His awards and accolades highlight his impact on his respective fields, influencing future athletes and medical professionals.

## Notable For
- Olympic gold medalist in speed skating (1980, 500 meters).
- Winner of multiple world championship medals.
- Recipient of the Oscar Mathisen Award (1959–present).
- Inducted into the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame (1987).
- Recipient of the James E. Sullivan Award (1930–present).
- Later career as an orthopedic surgeon.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Eric Heiden was born on June 14, 1958. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he began his speed skating career. He later pursued advanced studies at Stanford University and the Stanford University School of Medicine.

### Athletic Career
Heiden competed in international speed skating events, winning gold in the 500-meter event at the 1980 Winter Olympics. He also earned multiple world championship medals, solidifying his reputation as one of the top American speed skaters of his time.

### Awards and Recognition
Heiden received the Oscar Mathisen Award for his skating achievements. He was inducted into the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame and earned the James E. Sullivan Award for his athletic excellence.

### Medical Career
After retiring from speed skating, Heiden transitioned to orthopedic surgery. His medical career included affiliations with Stanford University and the Stanford University School of Medicine, where he continued to make contributions to his field.

### Legacy
Eric Heiden's legacy includes his Olympic gold medal, world championship victories, and later success as an orthopedic surgeon. His awards and accolades reflect his impact on both athletics and medicine, inspiring future generations of athletes and medical professionals.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/18637865/how-dr-eric-heiden-earned-place-america-all-greatest-athletes)
2. [Source](https://www.teamusa.org/Hall-of-Fame/Hall-of-Fame-Members/Eric-Heiden)
3. IMDb
4. SNAC
5. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
6. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
7. Munzinger Personen
8. SpeedSkatingNews.info
9. SpeedSkatingStats
10. [Source](http://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/he/eric-heiden-1.html)
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. [Source](http://fasterskier.com/fsarticle/six-months-into-biathlon-career-reid-called-up-to-world-cup-nordgren-joins-as-well/)
14. [Source](http://www.procyclingstats.com/rider.php?id=175950)
15. Olympic.org athletes database
16. [Source](http://www.databaseolympics.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=HEIDEERI01)
17. SpeedskatingResults.com
18. [Source](https://www.the-sports.org/eric-heiden-speed-skating-spf83614.html)
19. [Source](https://www.the-sports.org/eric-heiden-cycling-spf85269.html)
20. [Source](https://www.schaatsen.nl/nieuws/markante-schaatscoach-peter-schotting-76-overleden/)