Speed Skating

In Speed Skating (also known as long track speed skating), an Olympic discipline since 1924, competitors race counterclockwise around a 400-meter oval, switching lanes to equalize the distance. It is considered the fastest human-powered, non-mechanical sport in the world, with skaters reaching speeds of up to 40 mph (60 km/h). Events will be held at the Olympic Center.

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This is a true sprinters race, with top skaters reaching up to 40 mph by the end of the final turn.

500m

Although double the distance, this too is considered a sprint. Racers start and finishes in the middle of the track and stay in their lane.

1000m

Known as the middle distance for women and a sprint for men, this distance is equal to a runner’s 1-mile race.

1500m

This is the longest distance for women at the Games. The athlete focuses on increasing their speed in each of the 7.5 laps. They accelerate through the turns and maintain speed on the straights.

3000m

This is the longest distance for men at the Games. Top skaters will target 29- to 30-second laps over 12.5 laps.

5000m

In this thrilling race, up to 24 skaters complete 16 laps, earning points for passing the lead racers. After the last sprint, the first three skaters to cross the finish earn enough points to medal.

Mass Start

Two teams of three skaters start on opposites sides of the rink and use only the inner track. A team’s third skater to cross the finish line determines their final time.

Team Pursuit

Three mixed teams of two each skate six laps. The women skate the first lap and then hand off to their male teammates to race the next two. The first team over the finish line, wins.

Mixed Team Relay

About The Venue

Skaters move around the Olympic Speed Skating Oval

Olympic Speed Skating Oval

The James B. Sheffield Olympic Skating Rink is an artificial, outdoor ice track used for speed skating. The arena hosted the speed skating events at both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. The Oval is also the site where Eric Heiden won an unprecedented five individual Olympic gold medals at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games while also setting four Olympic records.

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