It was a cold and snowy spring day last week as I stood on an embankment alongside an oval track. In the background was the century-old Lake Placid High School, while in the distance, snow-covered peaks of the Adirondacks stood out among the clouds.My mind drifted back to a day 45 years ago, visuali zing the scene on Feb. 15, 1980. I could hear the rhythmic scraping of speed skating blades on the ice, somehow standing out from the screaming of thousands of fans. On the icy outdoor track was an athlete from my hometown of Madison, Wis., his massive thighs bulging inside a yellow racing suit. In 38.03 seconds, it was all over — a little over a lap around the 400-meter track. Eric Heiden had won his first gold medal, setting a new Olympic record in the 500-meter speed skating event.Twenty years earlier as a 7 year old, my curiosity had been piqued watching the 1960 Olympics from Squaw Valley on television. But on that February day in Lake Placid, I was overcome with the exhilaration that the Olympic Games can bring.I’ve returned to Lake Placid many times, though not for 20 years. My trip to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame induction last week brought back rushes of memories. But it also showcased how enduring the Olympic spirit is in communities that have hosted the Games.It’s something we see in our day-to-day lifestyle in Park City. And the flame still burns brightly in Lake Placid. It remains the charming little town in the heart of the Adirondacks that it was in 1932 and 1980. For perspective, we boast how our 2002 competition venues were all within an hour of the Athlete Village. In Lake Placid, they’re all within 20 minutes.Standing on the balcony of the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, my museum guide, Courtney, brought me over to a special place on the rail. “From this point, you can see every Olympic venue,” she said. And there they were — Mt. Van Hoevenberg, site of cross country, biathlon and sliding sports; the snowy peak of Whiteface Mountain, which held alpine; and behind me the 1932 and 1980 ice rinks where history was made.Every Games has its memorable hero stories. But none has stood the test of time like the 1980 Miracle on Ice. In the Cold War era, America defeated the Soviet Union in ice hockey, going on to take gold. “Do you believe in miracles?” said ABC’s Al Michaels as the seconds counted down. The 4-3 score is still emblazoned on the 1980 scoreboard in Miracle Plaza. And inside the museum, a section of dasher boards and a net guarded by goalie Jim Craig form a poignant display that brings you back to that February night in 1980 when all of America felt an intense pride.Lake Placid is where my life’s direction changed. Two days after watching Eric Heiden win his first gold, I was in the announcing booth at Mt. Van Hoevenberg with my best friend Peter Graves. Together, we called one of the most historic events in cross country history. Athletes we knew personally, Thomas Wassberg of Sweden and Juha Mieto of Finland, battled in the men’s 15-kilometer event. It was an individual start race, with Mieto going out first. He crossed the finish line in the lead. But Wassberg was yet to come. Mieto stood pensively watching the Daktronics scoreboard. Wassberg came into view, frantically double poling, crossing the line a mere tenth ahead of Mieto. The lanky Finn retreated into the woods behind our booth, putting his head in his hands and sobbing.Legend has it that the two cut their medals in half, each welding the gold and silver halves together.Lake Placid still holds that same charm I saw in 1980. And at every turn, you are reminded of its Olympic heritage. Stone benches carry names of local Olympians, like 1932 speed skater Jack Shea. Hotel lobbies proudly display memorabilia from 1980. Up on the slopes of Whiteface, interpretive displays remind today’s skiers and riders about the medalists from the Games.Amid all of the memories that have remained with me over 45 years, I always harken back to Eric Heiden. As I stood trackside that day, I didn’t know that this kid from my hometown would win five gold medals that week. And I certainly didn’t know I would spend the rest of my life in Olympic sport.But coming back to Lake Placid put it all into perspective.The post Ridgelines: Trackside with Eric Heiden in 1980 appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less