8. Eric Heiden-1980 Winter Games
American skating legend Eric Heiden may be a doctor today, but he will forever be known as the best speed skater in American history as it currently stands. While Heiden had been a relatively dominate skater en route to winning several World Championships, no one expected the level of dominance he showed at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. Eric managed to win a gold medal in the 500m, 1000m, 15000, 5000m, and 10,000m events.
He became the first person ever to win a gold medal in all five of the available speed skating events. Heiden also became the only man to win 5 gold medals at a single Winter Olympics. Funny enough, Heiden alone won more gold medals than only two countries that at the 1980 Winter Games. Those countries were the Soviet Union with 10 & Germany with 9. Clear dominance by Heiden for sure!