Who was the first American woman to win 5 gold medals in speed skating and first American to win gold in same event for 3 consecutive Olympics?

Bonnie Blair was born in New York, on the 18th of March, 1964. She developed a passion for skating at the very young age and joined the national team right after high school, becoming a professional speed skater. Bonnie often says her father was the first person to believe in her and her main inspiration. When Blair was only 19 years old she already competed in the Olympics. Her perfomance was promising and outstanding, and her first 500-meter event Bonnie finished eighth.

Blair set a world record and got her first Olympic gold medal at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Then she won in both the 500- and 1,000-meter speed skating events at the 1992 Olympics, and repeated her success at the 1994 Games. Also in 1994, Blair became the first American woman to win five gold medals and the first American to win gold in the same event in three subsequent Olympics (1988, 1992 and 1994). She is famous in the world of sport as the most decorated woman of Winter Olympics.