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There are two types of speed skating events, classified as long track and short track competitions, either for individuals or teams.
Long track competitions use lanes on an oval track 400 metres long. Races fall into two main categories; sprints of 500 metres or 1000 metres by both men and women, and the all-round with men racing over 500m, 1500m, 5000m and 10000m, and women racing over 500m, 1500m, 3000m and 5000m. In long track skating, 2 skaters race against the clock and may reach speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour.
Short track competitions are skated on a 61m by 30m rink. There are no lanes, with only blocks to define the shape of the track. Competitions can be taken part as individuals and in relay teams of 4. In individual races, 4 to 6 athletes start at the same time and race against each other with heats as necessary. Overtaking must always be clean, with no interference using the arms or body. In short track, skaters may reach speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour.
Equipment
In short track where there is a need for protection, competitors usually wear safety helmets, neck, shin and knee guards and gloves. In short track, the blade of the skate is curved in the direction of the turn and is attached to the sole diagonally and off-centre.
However, in long track where falls are unlikely, skaters wear only a one-piece suit with a hood. The clap skate used in long track has a blade which is straight and detaches from the heel of the boot, thereby helping the skater to make a better push-off start.
History
The first organised race recorded was in the English Fens in 1763. The International Skating Federation (ISU) was created in 1892, and the first World Championships were held in 1889 in the Netherlands. Long track Speed Skating became an Olympic event for men in 1924, and for women in 1960. Short track speed skating became an Olympic event in 1992. |
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