Eric Heiden

At the 1980 Winter Olympics, Heiden was the most successful athlete, setting four Olympic records, one world record, and winning an unprecedented five individual gold medals-more than any other athlete, and in fact more than any nation except for the Soviet Union (10) and East Germany (9). He was the most successful Winter Olympian from a single edition of any Winter Olympics until 2026 when cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo won six golds, although two of his medals are in team events. Heiden's record of five individual Olympic gold medals at a single Winter Games remains unmatched. He delivered the Athlete's Oath at those same 1980 Games. His coach was Dianne Holum.