LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – U.S. speed skater Eric Heiden returned to Lake Placid, N.Y., today, Saturday, Feb. 24, for the first time in 38 years and skated around the same track where he claimed five Olympic gold medals during the 1980 winter Games. Heiden won each of those medals in either world or Olympic record time.

He returned to the two-time Olympic village as part of the United States Olympic Committee’s (USOC) Team USA WinterFest tour. The nationwide tour wrapped up in Lake Placid where residents and visitors felt the excitement of the Olympic Winter Games through several interactive activities.

Those who attended also had the opportunity to meet several other Olympians including 2006 Olympic figure skating silver medalist Sasha Cohen, 2014 Olympic ice dancing champions Meryl Davis and Charlie White, 2006 women’s bobsled Olympic gold medalist Vonetta Flowers and Jim Craig, the goalie of the gold medal winning 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team.

Photos

Eric Heiden skates on the Lake Placid Olympic speedskating oval

Jim Craig and Eric Heiden sign autographs during the TeamUSA WinterFest in Lake Placid, N.Y.

Photos Courtesy: ORDA/Whiteface Lake Placid

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.