Speed Skating

winter sports · ice skating · Olympics · racing

Two main types. Long-track speed skating happens on a huge 400-meter oval, while short-track speed skating is on a much smaller 111-meter track. Each requires different skills and strategies!

Olympic fame. Speed skating is a major event at the Winter Olympics. Long-track is usually just called 'speed skating' at the Games, while short-track has its own special name.

Official rulekeepers. The International Skating Union (ISU) runs all the rules and competitions for speed skating around the world. They make sure every race is fair and exciting.

Racing on ice. Speed skaters wear special skates and fly around the ice track as fast as they can to beat their competitors. It's all about who can travel the distance in the shortest time.