At the age of 16, Holum earned a silver medal in the 500 meter race at the 1968 Winter Olympics, finishing in a three-way tie for second place.

The following year, she began her career as a coach, helping put a 14-year-old Eric Heiden on the road to the 1980 Winter Olympics, where he won five gold medals.

[1] For her achievements as a speed skater, Holum was inducted in the National Speedskating Hall of Fame in 1986.

[2] For her achievements as a coach, Holum was inducted in the International Women's Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.

[3] She also coached her daughter Kirstin Holum, who was Junior World Allround Champion in 1997 and participated in the 1998 Winter Olympics.