Like any ice sport, speed skating takes an incredible amount of stamina, balance, and endurance. However, it also requires an intense level of speed. In fact, my jaw nearly hit the floor when I learned how fast Olympic speed skaters can glide across the ice.
Reportedly, both short track and long track speed skaters can reach speeds of about 56 kilometres per hour and occasionally even faster. Sounds pretty impressive, right? Now, imagine skating that fast around a 111-metre oval – or, in the case of long track, a 400-metre oval – with quick, sharp turns while also trying to out-skate and dodge your competition.
Described as “NASCAR on ice” by Olympian and three-time mass start world champion Joey Mantia, speed skating is not for the faint of heart. Due to the speed, acceleration, and likelihood of collision, many Olympians opt to wear extreme forms of protection such as cut-resistant gloves; hard shell helmets; knee, shin, and neck guards; and boots made from fibreglass, graphite, and Kevlar fabric. Suffice to say, these professional athletes aren’t letting anything get in their way.
At the 2022 Winter Olympics, short track speed skaters will have the opportunity to compete in a total of nine events, including the mixed 2,000-meter relay, which is making its Olympic debut. The events are organised by distance – 500 metres, 1,000 metres, and 1,500 metres – for all athletes; however, when it comes to short track relays, men compete in the 5,000-meter relay, while women race a 3,000-metre relay.
There will be a total of 14 long track speed skating events consisting of individual races, mass starts, and team pursuits. In this sport, individual events follow a similar structure: athletes compete in distances of 500 meters, 1,000 metres, 1,500 metres, 3,000 metres (women only), 5,000 metres, and 10,000 metres (men only). The 2022 Winter Olympics will begin on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022.
