Peter MUELLER

Peter Mueller was one of the top sprinters American speed skating has ever produced. Exclusively a sprinter, he competed in the World Sprints in 1974 and 1975 and did well, but gave no hint he could win the gold medal in 1976 in the first ever Olympic 1,000 meter competition. Although overshadowed by Eric Heiden, between 1976 and 1980 Mueller proved himself one of the top sprinters in the world, finishing second in the 1977 World Sprints and fourth in the 1979 World Sprints. It was thought he could win another medal at Lake Placid, but he finished fifth in his specialty, the 1,000 meters. In September 1977, Mueller married Leah Poulos, a three-time Olympic speed skating medalist.

Personal Bests: 500 – 37.71 (1980); 1000 – 1:15.33 (1980); 1500 – 2:05.21 (1977); 5000 – 8:13.40 (1976).