Speed Skating

Speed skating is a fast winter sport. Skaters race around an oval ice track as fast as they can. Their skates have long blades that help them glide far with each push. Speed skaters often wear tight suits to cut through the air. It is one of the fastest sports you can do without a motor.

How Speed Skating Works

There are two main types. Long track speed skating is on a big oval 400 meters around. Short track is on a small rink where skaters race in a pack. Skaters lean into turns to go faster. They swing their arms to help push forward. The first skater to cross the line wins.

Speed and Skill

Top speed skaters can go over 35 miles per hour. Their leg muscles must be very strong. They bend low to cut through the air. Good balance keeps them from falling on tight turns. Speed skating has been in the Winter Olympics since the very first one in 1924.

Fun Facts

• Speed skates have the longest blades of any skates.
• In short track, four to six skaters race at once and bump each other.
• Clap skates have blades that click off the heel to help skaters go faster.

Did You Know?

Speed skaters wear hoods and tight suits to cut wind so they can go faster, almost like race cars do.