Speed Skating

Speed skating is a competitive form of ice skating in which athletes aim to complete a distance on ice in the shortest time possible. It typically takes place on an oval track, and the sport involves two main disciplines: long track and short track. Long track speed skating features a longer oval course where skaters race in a time trial format, while short track involves a smaller oval and includes multiple skaters racing simultaneously, often leading to strategic overtaking and tighter turns. Speed skating requires a combination of speed, endurance, and technique, with athletes using specialized skates that have long blades for better glide and efficiency. The sport is an Olympic event, with various distances contested for both men and women.