Bonnie Blair (born March 18, 1964) is an American retired speed skater. She is one of the most decorated athletes in Olympic history, having won five gold medals and one bronze medal in her career.
Blair was born in Cornwall, New York, and began skating at the age of 8. She quickly rose to prominence in the sport, winning her first national championship at the age of 12. She went on to compete in the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, winning a bronze medal in the 500m event.
Blair's career really took off in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, where she won two gold medals in the 500m and 1000m events. She followed this up with another two gold medals in the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, winning the 500m and 1000m events again.
Blair continued to dominate the sport for the next several years, winning a total of 10 World Championship gold medals between 1984 and 1995. She also set a total of 9 world records in the 500m, 1000m, and 1500m events.
In the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, Blair won her fifth gold medal, becoming the most decorated American Winter Olympian. She retired from competition shortly after, having achieved the pinnacle of her sport.
In retirement, Blair has become an advocate for healthy living and physical activity. She has served as an ambassador for several organizations, including the United States Olympic Committee, the U.S. Department of State, and the International Olympic Committee.
Blair's legacy has been honored in countless ways. She was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2004, and in 2005, the U.S. Postal Service issued a Bonnie Blair commemorative stamp. In 2018, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine.
Blair is an inspiration to generations of athletes, and her accomplishments are a testament to her dedication and hard work. She is an example of what it means to achieve greatness, and her legacy will continue to live on for years to come.
