Eric Heiden

They're just big in the eyes of the American public.

Then going out on the ice usually about 15 minutes before and certain things I would do for the different races, aspects that you run through your mind.

I'd rather get a nice warmup suit. That's something I can use. Gold medals just sit there. When I get old, maybe I could sell them if I need the money.

It's not a sport you get famous at. If I wanted to be famous, I would have stuck with hockey.

I really liked it best when I was a nobody.

I didn't get into skating to be famous.

I have a very close friendship with the skaters.

One thing is having skated five of the best races I've probably could have skated. It was nice to peak at the right time and to do it in an important time in somebody's career.

Cyclists, I work with a number of cyclists. They are great athletes; they are great aerobic athletes. If you ask them to hit a baseball or golf ball, they can't do that.