Heiden: From Olympic champion to orthopedic surgeon

Eric Heiden waves during a press conference at the 1980 Winter Olympics

By NBC Olympics

Published February 6, 2026 6:25 am

NBC Olympics

Eric Heiden is the only American to win five gold medals at a single Winter Games. He’s also an orthopedic surgeon. Doc Emrick tells the story of Heiden’s journey from his triumphant 1980 Olympics to the operating room.

NBC Olympics

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