What are facts on speed skating?

Answer 1

Speed Skaters can go up to 60km an hour.

• The International Skating Union (ISU) was founded in 1892 in Scheveningen, Netherlands, and has governed speed skating since its inception.
• Speed skating giant, Eric Heiden (Madison, Wisconsin) produced the greatest single feat in Winter Olympic history when he won all five events at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.
• The only other person besides Heiden to sweep available speed skating medals was Lydia Skoblikova of the Soviet Union. Not only did she win double golds at Squaw Valley, she returned to Innsbruck in 1964 to win gold medals in the 500m, 1,000m, 1,500m and 3,000m events.
• In the winter of 1997, klap skates were introduced. These skates featured a spring-loaded front hinge, which allowed skaters to raise their heels off the blade. The skate got its name from the clapping sound made when the blade reconnects with the metal base.
• In 1960, Squaw Valley Winter Olympics, women's speed skating events were added to the Olympic event roster.