He is considered by some to be the best overall speed skater (short and long distances) in the sport's history. Heiden ranked No. 46 in ESPN's SportsCentury 50 Greatest Athletes of the 20th Century in 1999, the only speed skater to make the list. In 2000, a Dutch newspaper called him the greatest skater ever.

What happened to Eric Heiden?

Heiden graduated from Stanford Medical School and followed in his father's footsteps to become an orthopedic surgeon and sports team physician. He now lives in Sacramento, California, with his wife, Karen Drews. He practices at the University of California at Davis and is an assistant professor there.

Who is considered the best male speed skaters ever?

Sven Kramer. Sven Kramer is the most decorated speed skater in the history of the Winter Olympics with a total of nine medals, in addition to having the most World Championships of any skater ever.