Wisconsin History Day By Day

Related Web Sites:
Heiden's Gold Heist

Heiden's View of His Success: What's the Fuss?

Eric Heiden


Read More About It

"Eric Heiden: Winner in Gold" by Nathan Aaseng

"The Skating Heidens" by Mary Virginia Fox

"Eric Heiden: America's Olympic Golden Boy" by Suzanne Munshower


Vocabulary:

meter
Olympics


Interesting Fact:

Eric's sister, Beth, also participated in the speedskating competition during the 1980 Olympics. She won a bronze medal in the 3,000 meter race.


Study Questions:

  • What were the lengths of the other four races Heiden won during the 1980 Olympics?
  • What have traditionally been the top speedskating countries in Europe?
  • What competitive sport did Heiden take up after he retired from speedskating?


    U.S. historical events that occurred on February 23:

    1836: The seige on the Alamo begins, led by Mexican president and general Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna .
    1942: A Japanese submarine fires shells on an oil refinery in Ellwood, California during World War II.



    • February 23

    February 23, 1980: Eric Heiden of Madison won the 10,000-meter speed skating event. It was his fifth gold medal during the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.

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