Today in History: February 23, American speedskater first to win 5 gold medals in a single Olympics

Today is Monday, Feb. 23, the 54th day of 2026. There are 311 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Feb. 23, 1980, American Eric Heiden completed his sweep of the five men’s speed skating events at the Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York, by winning the men’s 10,000-meter race in world record time; Heiden was the first athlete to win five gold medals in a single Winter Olympics.

Also on this date:

In 1836, the siege of the Alamo by Mexican troops began in San Antonio, Texas.