The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery provides us with a visual narrative of American history. Using photography, performing arts and new media, it features the smirks, smiles and stares of individuals who've influenced our culture. A search through its collections recovered pictures of athletes whose past performances at the Winter Oympic Games immortalized them in the minds of millions. From figure skating film stars to teenage snowboarders, our round-up of old and recent winners alike is a nostalgic reminder of trails blazed and inspiration sown. Even heroes must eventually retire to the bleachers, where they'll watch a new generation break records—and hearts. But unlike most precious metals, Olympic gold never tarnishes.
/https://public-media.si-cdn.com/filer/00/8e/008e93ff-d52f-4c57-8ee1-2537065c7cba/debi_thomas.jpg)
/https://public-media.si-cdn.com/filer/3c/e4/3ce42bd2-cc0b-49f2-b840-dccc19853b95/barbara_ann_scott.jpg)
/https://public-media.si-cdn.com/filer/7d/76/7d76ef5b-4d48-46eb-84a3-546ca537d70e/dorothy_hamill.jpg)
/https://public-media.si-cdn.com/filer/6f/72/6f72fdb9-1bf2-439f-8326-7a51d7246235/eric__beth_heiden.jpg)

/https://public-media.si-cdn.com/filer/06/87/0687e9aa-1076-4b17-bd81-0b42dd3a46ca/leonard_stock.jpg)
/https://public-media.si-cdn.com/filer/94/8f/948f1295-15e2-42f4-9881-2dff72d4fbf1/sonja_henie.jpg)

Winter Olympians From the Smithsonian Vaults
From the collections of the National Portrait Gallery, a team of former champions, heroes and icons
smithsonianmag.com
Like this article?
SIGN UP for our newsletter
SIGN UP for our newsletter
Comment on this Story
comments powered by Disqus