Speed skating

Jan Smeekens (23-02-2008)

Veit Dubiel 2008-11-02

The Soviet Union 1988 CPA 5923 stamp with label (1988 World Allround Speed Skating Championships for Men. Skater. Emblem. Alma-Ata ice rink, Medeo)

Schaatswedstrijd voor vrouwen op de Stadsgracht in Leeuwarden - 21 januari 1809 - Nicolaas Baur - 1809 - SK-A-5020 - Rijksmuseum

Kortebaanwedstrijd in Hindelopen

JaapEden

Speed skating is a competitive form of ice skating in which the competitors race each other in travelling a certain distance on skates. Types of speed skating are long track speed skating, short track speed skating, and marathon speed skating. In the Olympic Games, long track speed skating is usually referred to as just "speed skating", while short track speed skating is known as "short track". The ISU, the governing body of both ice sports, refers to long track as "speed skating" and short track as "short track skating".

History

The origin of speed skating dates back to the frozen canals and waterways of Northern Europe. In these early days, skaters used bones strapped to their feet to cross large distances, zipping across frozen rivers and lakes. The first organized speed skating events were held in the Netherlands in the 19th century, eventually leading to the formation of the International Skating Union (ISU) in 1892, the sport's first governing body.

Disciplines

Long Track Speed Skating

Long track speed skating takes place on a 400m oval ice track. Competitors race in pairs against the clock to complete the given distance, which can range from 500 meters to 10,000 meters. Skaters compete in separate lanes and switch lanes every lap to ensure equal conditions regarding the inner and outer curves of the track.

Short Track Speed Skating

Short track speed skating is performed on a smaller rink, typically the size of an ice hockey rink, with a track length of 111.12 meters. In this discipline, skaters race in packs of four to six, navigating tight turns and strategic positioning to cross the finish line first. Distances range from 500 meters to 3000 meters.

Marathon Speed Skating

Marathon speed skating is a long-distance event that takes place on natural ice. These races can be up to 200 kilometers long and are held in countries with suitable conditions, such as the Netherlands and parts of Scandinavia.

Equipment

Speed skaters wear specialized equipment to enhance their performance and protect against injuries. This includes tight-fitting aerodynamic suits, long-blade skates for long track, and short-track skates with blades that curve upwards at the front. Helmets, knee pads, cut-resistant suits, and gloves are mandatory in short track speed skating for safety.

Major Competitions

The most prestigious competitions in speed skating include the Olympic Games, the World Speed Skating Championships, and the World Cup. The Olympics feature both long track and short track events, while the World Championships and World Cup are held separately for each discipline.

Notable Speed Skaters

Over the years, speed skating has seen many notable athletes. Eric Heiden of the United States is famous for winning five gold medals in a single Olympics (1980), across all distances. Ireen Wüst from the Netherlands is one of the most decorated Olympic speed skaters, having won medals in four different Olympics. In short track, Apolo Ohno of the United States and Viktor Ahn (born Ahn Hyun-soo in South Korea) of Russia are among the most successful athletes in the sport.

See Also

• Winter sports
• Ice skating
• International Skating Union