Eric Heiden dominated speed skating, capturing the world championships from 1977 to 1979 and arriving at the 1980 Olympics at Lake Placid on a mission.
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He blazed to glory, winning five gold medals—a sweep of the men's competition.
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After that triumph, he switched to cycling and competed in the Tour de France. In this 1985 photo, he's winning the first-ever pro bike race in the U.S.
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Photo by Chris Stewart/The Chronicle
Today, Heiden's an orthopedic surgeon. He has been the team doctor for the N.B.A. Sacramento Kings, the W.N.B.A. Sacramento Monarchs, and the U.S. Olympic team.
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