Bill Johnson Sarajevo '84 Gold in Downhill Skiing, first ever for the USA in the long history of the discipline. Very different than being #1 in a USA invented sport like snowboarding. This survey is skewed as it does not include all possibilities and therefore excludes the all-time best by default.

Oksana Baiul's 1994 Olympic performances were the greatest performances by a winter Olympian I'd seen. Sure I remember Heiden as the most dominant. But Baiul was ethreal and tough as steel at the same time. People don't realize how Technically innovative & superior her skills were at those games. I saw her in person and her jumping and artistic skills were mindblowing. She could transport you to another realm. Her triple jumps were bigger more powerful the the mens! Too bad US figureskating resented her gold medal win but it was so gutsy and well-deserved. There has been no one like her since. Baiul never got any respect or credit for what she did for figureskating. Her contributions were very much maligned. She was the reason for the pro boom in the us. Lots of us went to all of her early performances. We watched her on tv too. She wasn't treated well like other ice queens. But extrodinary Olympic star.

All the Winter Olympians won my enormous respect and admiration.
Only one I miss, forever, Michelle Kwan.
If anyone has a set of DVD recording of her performances, and is generous enough to share, I would be deeply appreciative, with reward in kind. Yonosay2003@yahoo.con

i voted for shaun white. i think most of the people who read this magazine are older. (i'm 64 and i found this copy in the activities room of a senior apt. bldg.) and they vote for who they know, which doesn't include the x-games. (guess i'm just young at heart...)

but i still feel shaun showed a lot of olympic pride. he didn't have to do the second run, he'd already won the gold, but he said that everyone has to do two runs and he was no exception. he said: "this is the OLYMPICS!" great respect from a young guy. a lot of older athletics would have let it go. imagine his own surprise, when he topped himself!

as for figure skating...scott hamilton. he has done more for the sport than any other skater. (a lot of behind the scenes help, as well.) after two cancers, he is now skating again. you go, scotty!

God bless.

peggy is amazing!!!

Now its 2% cause of me.......I love him..I'm like the biggest(well not exactly) fan ever!!!!!!!!!! <3 I love 'em!! :) :D

Scott Hamilton is my favorite Winter Olympian. That was the first Winter Olympics I remember watching, and I still remember watching him win gold. Scotty has done more for figure skating than the rest of them combined. He deserves more recognition than 5% of the vote.

First off -- please note that the poll is for US WINTER champions only; a number of 'greats' that have been mentioned are either not Americans, or were not from the Winter games. For my choice: All the choices are good, and while I admire the other skaters ... Scotty for the win!!! I've adored Scott Hamilton since before the Olympics, and I keep watching the ice skating now because he is NBC's perennial commentator. And I will never forget his 'comeback' performance, after beating cancer -- he did his signature backflip, did the "YES!" gesture, then skated to center ice and declared, "I'm back!" with tears in his eyes. And there was not a dry eye in the audience that night either.

I voted for Dorothy Hamill. But I also love Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who skated to "Bolero" in 1984. and Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner, who had to withdraw from the 1980 Olympics due to injury. Both pairs were inspiring and absolutely wonderful to watch!

This isn't even close - Eric Heiden! Five Golds! Winning every race from the sprint to the equivalent of a marathon.

Tenley Albright was my role model when I was in my teens. She was a bright, young woman with terrific talent. Fortunately, I have her autograph. What an inspiration she was for me!

Gotta go with the 1980 hockey team!!

Folks, this poll is for favorite US WINTER Olympian.

While the list of Olympians is impressive, some names were left off. Torville & Dean, Gordeeva & Grinkov, Viktor Petrenko, Oksana Baiul,Carl Lewis, Mark Spitz, Jessie Owens, May Lou Retton, The entire Women's Gymnastics Team From 1996, the list could go on forever! I have enjoyed looking through the photos and articles and look forward to the start of the Vancouver Olympics tomorrow night!

There stood Dorothy Hamill, with boos from the crowd over judging of the previous skater almost unnerving her. But she took to the ice and showed us grace, power, and athleticism - all with the most adorable smile. She embodied the best of American spirit. Many times in my life I have been unsure in front of others, but have taken a deep breath, smiled, and moved forward - just like Dorothy. I've always been glad I saw her performance that day.

Kristi by far for her style, grace, and athleticism, as well as sportsmanship and caring attitude. I also am impressed with Brian, though the 10-yr. old I saw at this year`s Nationals may eclipse even his abilities in about 6 years. We need to keep an eye on him.

Eric Heiden's sweep of 5 races in 1980 was truly amazing, but got lost behind the Miracle on Ice. He gets my vote just because he's largely been forgotten. As for those not on the list, I'd vote for Phil and Steve Mahre, the twin brothers who took the gold and silver in the slalom in 1984. That was very cool.

It will be very hard to choose any one but Dorothy Hamel was always my favorite. She was so agile and very humble.She is among many that needs to be selected.It is very hard to choose any one person.Respectfully, Jimmie Hydeon Feburary 9,2010

i was told a number of years ago by a Norwegian that Americans do not really comprehend what Eric Heiden accomplished by winning all five of the speed skating races. Those distances range from 500 to 10,000 meters, and no one has come close to replicating this feat.

This is so hard to choose from! But my very first person to watch was Peggy Fleming. I was PG and sat home to watch all the Olympic games at the age 20. Dan Jensen is from my home town and knew the family, can't pass him up, and not to mention Scott Hamilton, what a great guy! I Got to see most of all of the Olympic Ice skater's in shows in person.
Now to watch this year's Olympics 2010!

Apolo Anton Ohno is my favorite Olympian by far!

I see the current visible Olypian is the leader in this poll, but the 1980 Hockey Team gets my vote. In fact, their accomplishment is so outstanding that they should stand at the top and then we vote on the rest.

I love BRIAN BOITANO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's so hot and one of the greatest skaters of all time (with due respect to Scott Hamilton). He still is the awesome skater that he was in the 1988 Olympics and has come so far!!!! Now he is a cook on the Food Network, "What Will Brian Do Next"? Can't wait to see.

So many figure skaters can do perfect twists, turns, jumps, glides, artistic moves, but only, and only Brian Boitano can combine all those with the beauty of his heart, soul, dedication, perseverance, and humility - making his skating truly unsurpassable and extraordinary. Only when expertise and accuracy blend with the beauty of the person himself can a masterpiece result. Brian Boitano - he is a masterpiece, created by himself and by God. Brian deserves to be counted as number 1 in the figure skating category!

I am just sad that I have seen him only twice in person but all the time on TV. My wish is to be able to attend his special shows but just couldn't afford it in terms of driving, getting tickets, whatever! But he will always be the Number One FS for me!

I grew up on he Pacific Coast and knew very little about hockey except that the intent was to get the rock in the net. That said, I'm 83 and have watched thousands of games of multiple sports, and none has ever thrilled me as much as what those boys accomplished at Lake Placid, taking down what may have been the world's best hockey team. Almost as good was hearing about the East's real hockey fans, finding themselves on the expressway at the conclusion of the game, pulling to the side of the road, getting out of their cars and yelling their lungs out. Priceless!

I agree that nothing compares with Torvill and Dean but I remember a married couple from Russian who were the most graceful pair I ever saw - but I too can't remember their names.

While my daughter voted for Dorothy, I couldn't narrow down the wonderful choices to one favorite. I do wish old films of Sonja Henie were available. I'll never forget her wonderful ice shows as well as Barbara Ann Scott who followed.
Maggie

Am a fan of so many figure skaters, but Brian Boitano is my all-time favorite!

We are deeply disappointed that Andrea Mead Lawrence, the winningest US Olympic alpine skier of all time, is excluded. Nearly all the selections are of newer times. Alas, is the state of most people these days, that no longer look back to history.

Andrea, from Pico, Vermont, was a 3 time Olympian and *still* the only American alpine skier to win 2 golds.

How can I begin to choose?! So many talented Americans among the champions of the world. From the classic (and classy) Dick Button to the star of one of the newest sports entries, Shaun White (enthusiasm has to be his middle name) and all the unnamed American athletes who haven't been selected here, I am proud of the men and women who represent us in the Olympics. USA! USA! USA! USA!

My vote goes to Dick Button: where would figure skating be today without Dick Button's innovations and enthusiasm.

My most memorable performer is Sonja Heine (sp?). I was a wide eyed, dreamy little girl and she took my breath away. I'm not sure they had figure skating at the Olympics then but she would have had my vote. So Apolo got this old lady's vote, his enthusiasm makes him a joy to watch. They are all beyond description with their beauty and athletic grace.
PS Thank you for your great magazine.

Growing up in Colorado Scott Hamilton has always been a favorite of mine. I love his goofy off the wall skating. He has always been humble, always entertaining and a very kind person and an excellent U.S. representative. He's overcome cancer with grace and has done so much for skating. I still love to see him take the ice.

SHAUN WHITE for sure! On the poll it said 1%...and you know what...I'm proud to be that 1% who LOVES him! HE is the BEST snowboarder!

Nadia Comeneci hands down!

The USA USA chant started with the 1980 Olympic hockey team. This was the greatest sports moment of the modern era of sports. Their win over the Soviet Union on Friday 2/22/1980 reminds us all that anything is possible. They haven’t made movies about anyone else on this list - they have made several about this team. It was more than an upset against the soviets, they tied Sweden pounded the Czechs than ran the table and finally beat Finland in the Gold medal game- they came from behind in many of them. These were true armatures- a few of their hockey careers ended in Lake Placid - but nothing comes close to what they accomplished

Peggy Flemming, without doubt, was the most talented, disciplined and graceful of all Olympians. The TV footage of her Olympic performance was awesome! Then, I had the privilege of watching her rehearse in the spring of '68 at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. I was totally awed - I came away wondering what watching a live performance would be like. She floated the entire length of the arena on one skate, perfectly still, a perfect portrait of grace. It is a memory I shall carry with me as long as I live.

NOTHING WILL EVER COMPARE TO TORVILL AND DEAN.

Brian Boitano is really a magnificent skater. Artistic, passionate, elegant, powerful athlete. The world best Olympic skater.

Brian Boitano is really a magnificent skater. Artistic, passionate, elegant, powerful athlete. The world best Olympic skater.

Love Brian!

My vote is for Scott Hamilton. Scott is a class act and lots of fun to watch. He is always trying something new, like a backflip on ice skates. I can't even stand up on ice skates, much less do backflips. He is an excellent skater and an excellent performer.

Brian Boitano was wonderful when he skated to a military style music and wore what appeared to be a military uniform. My favorite performance, ever.

sasha cohen my fave

Unfortunately, I cannot vote. The list does not include John Curry, ice dancing duo Torvill and Dean, nor Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards. Fortunately, had these Olympians been included, I may not have been able to vote either simply because I could not have decided which one of these to vote for. Inga

Without a doubt, it is Kristi for the following reasons:
1) She is beauty and grace personified.
2) She has a wonderful, caring personality as she demonstrated when she came to the aid of Nancy Kerrigan, who just lost her father in a horrendous way.
3) She has not lost her beauty or her grace as shown by her incredible performance in Dancing With the Stars, fully 17 years after her Olympic medal performance.
4) She sets an example by being a great mother and wife.

My vote is for Brian Boitano. He is truly a star no other male skater can come close.

Peggy Fleming gets my vote. Like Toller Cranston (Canada), she was ballet on ice. Not as athletic as those who followed her, but oh so graceful. It was a difficult choice over our 1980 hockey team, which was a moment to remember. They heard my husband yelling two blocks away!

As a little girl growing up, ice skating was our favorite activity during the cold winter. I loved going out on the creek and ponds, skating all day. The star I looked up to was Peggy Fleming. She was so beautiful and graceful and always was so warm and kind on her Ice Skating Specials. My favorite part of her specials were "the bloopers" or takeouts where the cast would break up laughing. It was wonderful. Peggy Fleming is an inspiration for me; her grace, warmth and kindness continues to inspire me to this day.

My all time favorite is 3 time Olympian Michelle Kwan.

She is grace & beauty on the ice and a great ambassador for our country.

Her sportsmanship was an excellent example for everyone, win or lose, on the ice or off.

My absolute favorite was Oksana Baiul. I can think of others who were technically more impressive, but when it comes to artistic merit, nobody has come close to Oksana's Lillehammer performance in my book.

The figure skating ladies mentioned are all wonderful and inspiring in their own styles. I would vote for Kristi, though, for carrying her technical ability, style, and personality into the professional world, thereby completely raising the bar for women's performance skating.
My vote for the men of figure skating rests solely on Brian Boitano. Until 1988, I had never seen a man skate with such authority, majesty and skill. When he finished his free skate, I was standing up in front of my TV, sweating, and feeling like I had been struck by lightning! And then, he went on to further transform the world of professional skating with the most wonderful ice show ever, and his entry into professional competition made all the other men start working - really hard ;-) Kristi and Brian have been very inspirational people in the skating world and beyond.

How about Eddie Eagan, my favorite winter olympian. He's the only person to have won the gold in both summer and winter olympics. As Casey Stengel would say,"You could look it up!"

Still, to this day, I pretend to be Bonnie Blair when I go rollerblading. I can still see her smooth, long glides and winning smile. She was quite an inspiration to a 10 year old girl.

I have always admired Peggy Fleming. My entire family watched her performances. If only we'd had TIVO back then. My husband Frank remembered her outfit when she won gold and anyone who knows Dr. Frank understands how amazing that is. My dear friend Darcie got me her book and I still read from it and it gives me strength in dealing with the loss of my sister. Meeting Peggy at the Livermore Wine Auction is one of the high points in my life.

Peggy is amazing!

I love Peggy Fleming's style and grace. She will be forever in my memory as a woman athlete!

Oops. I just realized I had a name wrong. It's Paul Wiley. I wrote John. Well. at 63 I don't do so well on names anymore but i can still see him skating in my mind's eye.

We have so many excellent free-stylists, it amazes me we don't get much in pairs. Mostly my favorites didn't get gold. It's seldom the artistic types that have the toughness and consistency to do it. I loved Jill Trenary and John Wylie.
Just watching them cover the rink was a treat. I also loved John Curry and Oxana B (don't ask me to spell that)--sorry they're not US . For pairs the Protopopov's and for dance who could touch Torvill and Dean? Again sorry they weren't US but the best is the best.
Peggy needs to be credited for raising figure skating to an art form and all my favorite women have been artistic like her but they have improved on her also.
I have to credit Scotty for having great style, flawless technique, consistency and an indomitable spirit. I hope he is as full of joy as he purports to be when he skates. Just watching him makes you happy. After submitting the poll vote I was surprised to see the results. I guess the figure skaters and their audience aren't into voting. Or maybe, like me, their favs didn't win gold.

Bonnie Blair is my all time favorite Winter Olympian. She was always very humble and appreciative of her parents role and of others during her formative years.
This from a champion with six olympic medals (5 gold), in a sport that isn't judged by a panel that may have biases, but by a stop watch and head to head competetion with the other skaters.

My favorite Winter Olympian is Terry McDermott who grew up in my hometown of Essexville, MI. In the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, the United States won exactly one gold medal.... his in the men's 500M speedskating event. Today, a single gold medal winner would be rich with endorsements. He was a little too early for that. But Terry, did get invited to appear on the Ed Sullivan show when he returned to the States. Unfortunately he was a little overshadowed. Guess who else appeared on that show on February 9, 1964? It was the Beatles first appearance in the US. But I remember seeing a publicity photo in the paper. It was when Terry met the Beatles before the show. And they posed a picture of Terry (who was a barber by trade) holding scissors in one hand and a handful of John's hair in the other with John mugging a horrified look on his face.

How could it not be this team as in 2008, the (IIHF) International Ice Hockey Federation picked the Miracle On Ice as the number-one international hockey story of the CENTURY.

The Soviet team was considered the best hockey team in the world, with the best goalie in the world at that time. A year earlier the Soviet team had routed the NHL All-Stars 6-0 and that year, in exhibition games, had bested NHL Hockey teams 5-3-1. In all likely hood they could have won the Stanley Cup, but were beaten by a group of amateur and college kids led by Herb Brooks. Right time and at the right place, the 1980 Olympics, and was voted the greatest sports moment of the Twentieth Century by Sports Illustrated.
No opinions here, just Historical facts.

You should not have limited the question to U.S. winter olympics heroes. My favorite all-time Olympic winner is Franz Klammer (1976) whose go-for-broke final run in the Men's Dowenhill won the Gold. I watched it live, and could not believe what I was seeing.

When I was a child growing up in Ohio. My family drove many miles to the Indiana fair grounds in Indeianapolis to see the Sonja Henie ice show. It was my first ice show and maybe that was why I could not get over the show she put on. She absolutetly electrified the crowd. She did a rhumba number my dad talked about for weeks. I wish I could find a film of that performance..Larry Keltner....Tappahannock, Va.

I was a big fan of Eric Heiden then, and after I read his book on fitness I'm an even bigger fan now. What he has accomplished in his life is truly amazing.